The Great Falls Airport Authority recently renewed a seven-year contract with four car rental agencies that lease space at the airport terminal.

Renewing lease agreements were the Avis, Hertz, National Alamo and Dollar car rental companies.

As high bidder, Avis will get the premium parking spaces for its rental cars, Airport Director Cynthia Schultz said. National Alamo had preferred parking in the previous contract.

Their business also has grown, which is reflected in an increase in the minimum guaranteed fees going to the Airport Authority, up from $308,000 in 1999 to $509,000 next year, Schultz said.

Airport officials will explore the possibility of building a car wash for the rental companies in 2009, she said.