On Tuesday, the Provo City Council voted unanimously in support of elevating the airport from a division under the Public Works Department to its very own department.

Concurrently, during the meeting, the council also voted in favor of appointing Brian Torgersen as the airport department’s first director.

Provo City officials felt the timing was right for the shift given its recent growth, including the addition of new terminals, a major airline carrier flying out of the site, connecting travelers to international destinations, and the recent announcement of a $78 million investment from Utah County toward further expansion efforts over the next 15 years.

“It (Provo Airport) is a community asset that transcends Provo,” Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said before the City Council as she recommended the ordinance. “Allowing it to function as its own department will give it the independence and organizational support it deserves.”

Courtesy Provo City Council

Torgersen has been in city government since 2010 as a member of Provo’s Engineering Division. In 2017, he took over as public services director, overseeing the original Provo Municipal Airport.

He played a key role in the design and construction of the new terminal, and as its completion neared in November 2019, he was appointed director of the airport, overseeing expansion and guiding growth efforts thus far, city officials said in a press release issued Wednesday.

“It’s an incredible honor to step into this leadership role at such a pivotal time for the Provo Airport. We’ve seen remarkable growth, from expanding flight options to welcoming nearly 900,000 passengers last year,” Torgersen said in the release. “With our sights set on a ten-gate expansion by 2028, the momentum is undeniable. I’m excited to continue working with our team, city leaders, and partners to build on this success and shape PVU’s future as a premier regional airport.”

PVU is the three-letter International Air Transport Association code designated for the Provo Airport.

City Council members praised Torgersen during Tuesday’s meeting for his ability to bring people together and his commitment to the airport’s success.

“This is such a welcomed opportunity. The entire airport team has done remarkable work, including the mayor and her staff,” City Councilman Craig Christensen said.

“We’re so delighted with the airport and with how it’s blossomed under your stewardship,” City Councilwoman Becky Bogdin told Torgersen.

American Airlines initiated services from Provo last October, bringing a major carrier to town alongside Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air.

Torgersen previously told the Daily Herald that there is interest from other airlines to consider commercial service from Provo, but he says the airport is currently at capacity and cannot accommodate more routes or airlines.

The Provo Airport, according to city officials, is the second-busiest in Utah, behind Salt Lake City International Airport.

“Air service is a powerful driver of local and regional economic growth. Provo Airport’s current operations generate over $200 million in annual economic benefits and support 1,300 jobs,” said Nicole Martin, Provo’s communications director, as part of the release. “A successful expansion will bring even greater economic opportunities, benefiting not just Provo, but the entire region and state.”

Moving forward, the Provo Airport Department will now report directly to the mayor’s office.

In an email, Torgersen told the Daily Herald that with momentum building at the airport, combined with a vision of taking the facility to the next level, having direct communication between the airport and the mayor’s office is critical.

“In an organization like ours we always want to involve everyone in the chain of command when decisions are being made,” he said.