Visitors might not have as much trouble finding places to park on campus in a few years.

Parking officials are now examining plans to build a new parking garage on the current lot of the Penn State Bookstore, said Bruce Kline, director of University parking.

Depending on the construction plans, the garage could hold between 300 and 350 vehicles, said Dave Stormer, assistant vice president for safety and environmental services.

The lot currently holds 140 vehicles, and new spaces would be available for visitor parking, Stormer said.

"We treat visitors poorly around here, and we need more parking for (them)," he said.

The effort is part of an overall University plan to increase available parking. Recently, both staff size and the amount of staff-registered cars have increased, Kline said.

The proposed garage will have two or three levels, although no architect has been named. Construction is tentatively slated to begin next spring, Kline said.

Plans were first considered for the garage two or three years ago, Kline said, adding that a University parking consultant recommended it.

The University currently plans several parking relocation projects, Stormer said.

Mark Stewart, Undergraduate Student Government president, said he would like to see more emphasis on providing closer student parking.

"Parking is obviously a problem at our University," Stewart said.

Student parking is a low priority for University officials, he said, adding that although most students use parking for storage purposes, commuters and other students need closer facilities.