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."

FMI: www.lawa.org