City Considers Closing The Airport Due To Lack Of Use

There's another airport on a city's chopping block in California.

This time, it's the city of Banning, CA that is considering closing its airport and turning the land over to developers. Citing a study last year by HcL Companies of Diamond Bar, CA, Mayor George Moyer said that he sees "no need for us to keep wasting money out there," and that he would like to find a developer that would find other uses for the property.

The Press-Enterprise newspaper reports that, according to the HcL report, the airport is barely covering expenses with revenues, and that only 38 of its 61 hangars are occupied. Some of the hangars were described as "dilapidated." The report concludes that "Investing more resources into the airport and providing upgrades would not be cost-effective or provide the city with an adequate return on investment.”

The airport was constructed in the 1940s, and has a single, 5,200-foot runway. An unidentified investor has reportedly expressed interest in the property.

The council first considered closing the airport in 2013. It was reportedly close to a deal with a developer, but pulled back when some possible conflicts of interest with Moreno Valley civic leaders came to light. 

The city estimates that it would have to repay about $2 million in AIP grants to close the airport. The city has declined to accept additional grant money from the FAA since the closure was first considered in 2013.

FAA approval for the closure must also be obtained by the city, but some officials feel that the process may be easier than other closures because it has turned away more recent grants.

FMI: Original Report