Airport Commissioners Extend Public Comment Period

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has unanimously approved (5-0) an extension of the public review and comment period for the Supplement to the Draft Environmental Impact Study/Environmental Impact Report for the LAX Master Plan for a total of 120 days and the scheduling of three additional public hearings. The current program called for a 45-day public comment period ending August 25 and the scheduling of nine public hearings from August 11 to 23.

The action, which is subject to Federal Aviation Administration approval, is in response to a July 29, 2003, letter from Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn to the Board expressing his support of a City Council resolution passed that same day requesting the extension to 120 days, beginning July 11, 2003, in order to provide adequate time for the public process to occur.

In addition to calling for an extension of time for public review and comment so that all stakeholder comments and suggestions can be received, Mayor Hahn also requested three more hearings to be scheduled in the fall during the October-early November time frame. He encouraged the provision of ample time for the public to understand the Enhanced Safety and Security Alternative and to provide constructive feedback on how best to modernize LAX to maintain and enhance its status as the premier international gateway on the West Coast.

Los Angeles World Airports also received letters requesting an extension of the public review and comment period from the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa del Rey, U.S. Congressmember Maxine Waters, the City of El Segundo, the City of Manhattan Beach, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and others.

The dates and locations of the additional three public hearings have not yet been determined.

FMI: www.lawa.org