Controversy Continues
FAA officials approved
an $11 billion modernization plan for Los Angeles International
Airport Friday, stirring up a hornet's nest of criticism from plan
opponents. Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa is opposed to many
aspects of the current plan pushed forward by his predecessor,
Mayor James Hahn. Lawyers representing surrounding communities are
sharpening their pencils, as they prepare to file more
lawsuits.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta spoke with
Villaraigosa to discuss the action. The Mayor-elect shared his
opposition to major parts of the plan, in particular a passenger
check-in center proposed near the San Diego Freeway.
The decision allows work to go ahead on the plan, but does not
compel it to do so. "This doesn't require the city or the airport
to take any action at all," said Donn Walker, an FAA spokesman
according to the Los Angeles Times. "It simply means if they want
to they can go ahead and implement."
Villaraigosa joins most of the elected officials who supports
the proposed "green light" projects that will reconfigure the south
airstrip, create a consolidated rental car center, and provide
other transportation improvements. He opposes several "yellow
light" projects, including the check-in center, the demolition of
old terminals, and the building of a new terminal.
"As it was explained to me, it's not critical. It doesn't as I
said prohibit us from continuing to move toward ensuring the yellow
light projects never become a reality," said Villaraigosa to
reporters. "My position is still clear: I don't support the yellow
light projects. I believe we need to develop a regional approach to
expanding airport capacity in this region and continue to work
toward that goal."
The current plan is unpopular in airport-area communities who
fear the effect that additional air traffic may have on them.
Attorney Barbara Lichman said, "There's no question about it," her
clients, Inglewood, Culver City and Los Angeles County would sue in
federal court, according to the LA Times.
Alhough he'll be replaced in office July 1st, Mayor Hahn was
happy about the decision. "I am pleased," he said in a statement,
"and look forward to working with labor, businesses, public safety
officials and other stakeholders throughout the city as we continue
to make LAX a model for safety, security and passenger
convenience."