Environmental Documentation Suspended At Former USMC Field

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta Wednesday released a letter reiterating his position that aviation use at the former MCAS/El Toro is not an option.

In a letter responding to the City of Fullerton's request that it be authorized to operate a commercial airport at El Toro, the secretary affirmed the department's position since March of 2002, that it will abide by the wishes of the voters of Orange County and support the Navy's sale of the base for non-aviation purposes as outlined in the local ballot initiative known as Measure W.

"The environmental documentation for an airport at El Toro has been rescinded which means that if any entity attempts to bid on the property, they cannot do so without complying with the approved zoning for the property as outlined by the city of Irvine, which annexed the base last year," said Paul D. Eckles, executive director of the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA).

Orange County currently has the second largest airport in the five-county planning region. It also has the smallest population and is by far the smallest geographic area.

"To accuse Orange County of failing to meet its aviation needs is nothing more than political posturing by Los Angeles," stated Eckles. "The issue has been decided by the taxpayers and voters of Orange County. Los Angeles should respect our decision, and our right to make our own land use decisions."

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