PHOENIX -- Plans for a $250 million car rental facility at Sky Harbor Airport are moving forward, despite objections from some on-airport car rental operators.

The Phoenix City Council on Sept. 25 authorized collection of a $3.50-per-day customer facility charge to finance the project. The surcharge goes into effect next June.

Before the council vote, Hertz executive Simon Ellis raised objections to the planned facility, arguing that the car rental industry is too unstable today to assume the extra financial burden. However, council members heeded the advice of Phoenix Aviation Director David Krietor and his staff, who advised them that the facility would ease airport congestion and make renting cars at the airport more convenient.

The facility will be constructed on a 140-acre site at 16th Street and Buckeye Road. The project's design team includes HKS Inc., Blunk Demattei Associates Architects, Transystems, and Dick & Fritsche Design Group.

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