Leaders Oppose Developer's Plans

Here's a twist: Some politicians are fighting to save their local airport.

Two San Francisco-area congressional leaders Friday urged federal aviation officials not to close Concord's Buchanan Field (CA). Reps. George Miller, D-Martinez, and Ellen Tauscher, D-Alamo, sent a joint letter to the FAA opposing a proposal to replace the airport with a mixed-use development.

"We believe that Buchanan Field is an important element of the economic infrastructure of Central Contra Costa and our region," the letter states. It highlights Buchanan's roles as a hub during emergencies and as a so-called "reliever airport," diverting air traffic from larger, congested Bay Area airports.

In December, county supervisors decided to seek proposals for alternate uses of the airport. The board needs FAA approval before shutting the facility. However, that won't be easy, as the county must keep the airport open for at least 19 more years under the terms of a $1.9 million federal grant it received last year.

Nevertheless, area pilots fear the developer may have an edge in D.C. area lobbying factor, as Susan Mineta, a company vice president in Alameda and Santa Clara counties, is the niece of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. While pilots fear the Minetas could find a way to close the airport, many agree the congressional letter represents an important political victory, said Diane Cole, president of the Mount Diablo Pilots Association.

FMI:  www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/pw/airport