Mon, Dec 05, 2005
Compromise Ends 10-Year Master Plan
Plans to expand and
update Los Angeles International Airport have been scrapped after
meeting prolonged resistance by local civic groups and
neighbors who have fought the ambitious $11 billion development
project.
In a joint statement issued by the mayor's office and LA World
Airports officials, the settlement will cap airport growth at 75
million annual passengers -- or about 14 million more than
went through the airport's gates in 2004. The airport must also
work to reduce traffic congestion and provide soundproofing to
nearby homes. In exchange, lawsuits filed against the airport will
be dropped, and local groups will no longer prevent the airport
from rebuilding the south runway, which LAX maintains would further
enhance safety and reduce runway incursions.
"I am elated that at long last we have the ability to move
forward with a rational, community-sensitive plan for LAX that
allows for sensible improvements for the people of Los Angeles and
millions of world travelers who depend on it," said Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa, as was reported in Air Transport Weekly.
Villaraigosa's office pushed the settlement effort ahead.
The settlement also puts an end to the 10-year, $150 million LAX
Master Plan project, which would be effectively dead upon approval
of the settlement by local and federal officials.
The settlement also states LAWA will provide $266 million over
the next 10 years to Inglewood, Los Angeles County, El Segundo and
the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion for
traffic and noise mitigation, streetscaping and job training, as
well as an additional $60 million for "various air quality and
environmental justice programs."
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