L.A. airports board seals Palmdale deal

The unanimous votes followed an announcement made Oct. 1 by Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford and Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan to work together to market the airport as an alternative to congested Los Angeles International.

"This agreement is the result of the unprecedented cooperation and perseverance of many of us who believe the challenges of Palmdale Regional Airport can and will be met," said John J. Agoglia, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. "This kind of cooperation and innovation is the right approach to resolving future demand for air transportation service."

Palmdale and its redevelopment agency will be partners in the effort to bring passenger service back to the airport, which ended when United Express canceled its service from Palmdale to LAX in April 1998.

Key elements of the agreement include:

Developing plans for new and larger passenger and cargo facilities adjacent to existing facilities, including a cargo ramp scheduled for completion by the end of 2000.

Aggressively pursuing a highspeed rail link to Palmdale from major population areas in Southern California.

Providing right-of-way for construction of the Highway 138 bypass, if federal law allows. About $28 million has already been allocated from federal, state and local funding sources. This easement, which the city of Los Angeles intends to grant to the California Department of Transportation, is valued at more than $12 million.

Vigorously supporting construction of highway improvements, including a Highway 138 bypass from Highway 12 to Palmdale Airport and continuation of the new route 138 from Palmdale to Victorville in San Bernardino County.

Marketing airport-adjacent facilities to the aerospace industry to promote continued economic and population growth in the Antelope Valley and increase demand for airport services.

Marketing existing terminal facilities at Palmdale Airport to commercial air carriers, commuter airlines, air cargo carriers and aviation maintenance operators.

Palmdale Regional Airport sits on 54 acres of land near the center of Air Force Plant 42. An agreement between Los Angeles World Airports and the Air Force allows up to 50 passenger operations - or 25 arrivals and departures - per day. With additional environmental approval, 200 operations (100 flights) could be allowed daily, and with further environmental review, up to 400 operations (200 flights), could come and go from Palmdale every day.

While initial development efforts will focus on Palmdale Regional Airport's Air Force Plant 42 presence, the agreement approved today also specifically mentions future development of about 17,500 acres of adjacent land owned by the city of Los Angeles.

The land was purchased in 1966 with the intention of it becoming a new international airport to relieve air traffic congestion at Los Angeles International.