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Government officials placed shovels in the dirt and ushered in a new era for the Provo Airport during a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning.

Construction will begin on an expanded airport apron this week — the first of many expansion projects in store for the county’s growing transportation hub over the next three years.

The airport plans to complete the new apron by November, giving more space for planes to park. Then, the terminal will expand from four gates to 10 gates, adding three additional gates to the south and north sides of the building by the end of 2028.

“We’re ready to go,” Airport Director Brian Torgersen said. “We have to, as the saying goes, ‘Make hay while the sun shines.'”

Provo Airport’s vision is to be a viable alternative to flying out of Salt Lake City International.

The airport doubled its passenger count the last two years, accommodating 900,000 travelers in 2024, Provo City said. It now services three airlines, including American, which established routes to Dallas and Phoenix last year.

A new apron and six additional gates will provide the infrastructure needed to attract more airlines and carry out more routes, officials believe.

“The Provo Airport is more than a runway; it’s a runway to the future,” Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said. “This expansion positions PVU not just as a regional airport, but as a vital part of Utah’s growing transportation network, ready to welcome the world, including visitors for the 2034 Winter Olympics.”

Torgersen told the Daily Herald in January the project would cost an estimated $140 million. He credited a number of government agencies Monday for collaborating on the project.

The State of Utah, Utah County, The FAA and Mountainland Association of Government are involved, with over half of the contributions coming from Utah County, which pledged $78 million to the project through its tourism, recreation, cultural and convention tax.

“Different governmental agencies are working together to provide meaningful improvements that make a difference. … It makes a huge difference for the airport and our ability to attract airlines when our fees are low because of that investment from all the different agencies,” Torgersen said.

County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner said Utah County’s offering was an investment in itself.

“The reason this project was the ideal project is because not only is (the airport) the center of travel and tourism, but it will actually pay back,” Powers Gardner said. “A portion of every ticket, a portion of every car rental, a portion of every hotel room will go to pay the bond for this. So not only is this the ideal travel and tourism opportunity, but on top of that, this will actually generate more money in that fund.”

PROVO, Utah — As we move into the summer travel season, many travelers are bracing for congested roads and packed airports. For Utah County residents, however, the Provo Airport offers a convenient alternative that's set to expand significantly.

The airport currently operates at full capacity with four gates, but a three-year construction project is underway that will add six more gates to accommodate the growing demand.

"We know we're building for the future," said Brian Torgersen, Provo Airport Director.

Many local residents appreciate the convenience the airport already provides.

"You can get out here in 20 minutes from most places in Utah Valley," said Jeri Allbee, an Orem resident. "It's just so convenient to everybody in Utah Valley."

The expansion has generated excitement among travelers who see potential benefits.

"They can get people in and out of the airport faster and probably hopefully get more airlines," Allbee added.

Michelle Hampton, who was flying out of Provo Airport on Monday, shared similar enthusiasm: "Just think expansion is importantly and more jobs right and you know why not, more airlines and yeah it's fantastic."

However, not all Provo residents welcome the growth. Some express concerns about the environmental and quality-of-life impacts.

"It means more air traffic over our small, small town valley. More noise, more solution," said Susan Quebbeman, a Provo resident.

Jeff Turley, another Provo resident, added: "Also worry about the inconveniences of increased traffic."

Despite these concerns, many see the expansion as beneficial for the region. Roger Lingard, a BYU student, noted that "being able to have more opportunities to go and visit family across the United States is a great opportunity to have."

According to Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, the expanded airport will provide greater convenience for the entire region.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

SALT LAKE CITY — The viral "chicken jockey" trend led a live chicken to watch "A Minecraft Movie" in a Provo theater.

What is the 'chicken jockey' trend?

A massive trend on social media right now revolves around the "Minecraft" movie, where fans in the theaters throw popcorn, drinks and cause havoc when the main character Steve, played by Jack Black, announces different game items — specifically "chicken jockey."

This trend led Provo student Chuck Nadauld and his friends to try and be a little creative.

"Me and my one other friend before the movie had driven to a farm and bought a chicken for $15," he said.

Nadauld said he smuggled the chicken into the theaters, and it enjoyed the movie, eating popcorn at his feet, before he lifted it high in the air during the chicken jockey scene.

He and his friends were quickly removed from the theater.

'The crowd just went crazy'

Movie theater manager Nick Gamble said he knew something was up when customers were leaving the theater and asking to get refunds because they were uncomfortable.

"I was actually supposed to be off at 6 p.m. that night but stayed to help because I knew they were going to need the help that night," Gamble said.

He said he decided to monitor the showing and stopped the movie after someone set off an air horn. After that, the crowd settled down until the chicken jockey scene.

"The crowd just went crazy at that."

Gamble said he never saw the chicken himself but quickly stopped the movie while another manager told them they'd have to leave. Gamble said he doesn't want to stop anyone's fun, but this behavior crossed a line.

"Just don't bring items or objects that will cause harm or danger to other moviegoers," he said.

Gamble said this incident alerted them that this kind of thing can happen to anyone, in any area, and to be prepared for this in the future.

The aftermath

Videos of Nadauld and his friends' antics have garnered hundreds of thousands of views across social media platforms.

He said he has gotten both positive and negative feedback online, including people giving him and his family death threats.

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A post shared by Chuck Nadauld (@chucknadauld)

But overall, Nadauld said, "No regrets."

However, he does wish he could have helped theater employees clean up the aftermath.

And what happened to the chicken, you may ask? Nadauld said he gave it to a farm, alive and well.

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Reporter/Anchor, KSL-TV (NBC) Salt Lake City

PROVO — A former member of the Utah House of Representatives said she will challenge Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi for her job.

Marsha Judkins, who left her seat in the Legislature a few months ago after not running for re-election, told KSL TV in an exclusive interview Wednesday that she plans to run to lead Utah’s fourth-largest city.

Judkins, who previously served on the Provo School Board before being elected to the Utah House in 2018, has lived in Provo for more than 40 years.

“I’ve just been watching Provo and thinking it’s doing good,” Judkins said, “but we could do so much better.”

Kaufusi has been in office nearly eight years. She was first elected as Provo’s first female mayor in 2017. Now, she’s seeking a third term.

“I think my track record speaks for me as mayor,” Kaufusi said in an interview Wednesday in downtown Provo. “I think that our vision for the city has been generational.”

Kaufusi, who was born and raised in Provo, said she’s gotten a lot done over the last eight years. She pointed to the construction of the new Provo Airport terminal and the preservation of the Peaks Ice Arena, which hosted events during the Salt Lake Winter Olympics in 2002.

“Can you imagine if I didn’t pull that down and save that with now the Olympics coming,” Kaufusi said.

But while Judkins considers Kaufusi a friend – the two women served on the school board together – she said it’s not all good news in Provo.

“I know that there are places in the city that have felt ignored,” Judkins said, specifically mentioning the west side where she lives.

As mayor, Judkins said she would focus on issues like improving congestion, increasing transparency in government, and public safety. Also top of mind for her is housing.

“I don’t think government should be creating barriers and hardships for people who are trying to get into homes or trying to add on to their homes or trying to build homes,” Judkins said.

Overall, Judkins believes it’s time for new leadership in Provo. But the incumbent argues experience matters.

“The momentum, we cannot let it drop and hit the reset button,” Kaufusi said. “It will take years to get to where we are right now.”

The election for Provo mayor will take place later this year. Judkins said she planned to make a formal announcement about her candidacy sometime Thursday.

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