DAYTON - Parking garages have been a staple of many major U.S. airports for years, but Dayton International Airport is just now opening one.

The $35 million project became a priority after travelers told Dayton's airport management in surveys that they wanted a parking garage convenient to the terminal building. The new garage's entrance is across from the terminal's entrance.

The airport officially opens the garage, built by Barton Malow Co., today, July 29, with a 1:30 p.m. ceremony. The ground level is for rental cars, and the upper two levels are for public short-term and overnight parking.

Officials hope the garage will help keep Dayton competitive with the Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis airports. Approximately 60 percent of Dayton's passengers are business travelers heading to destinations that include Atlanta, New York, Denver and Toronto.

The garage will retain a policy of offering the first 30 minutes of parking free, which is designated for people waiting to pick up arrivals.

There are heating coils under the pavement of exterior, sloped ramps to melt snow and ice.