"Group Supports Delay In LAX Modernization Plan"

Monday, September 27, 2004

Group Supports Delay In LAX Modernization Plan
KNBC-TV Ch 4 (NBC), Los Angeles (CA)


LOS ANGELES -- An airline trade organization that opposed Mayor Jim Hahn's
$9 billion plan to modernize Los Angeles International Airport announced
Monday its support of a proposal that delays implementation of the more
controversial elements.

The Air Transport Association -- which represents a majority of airlines at
Los Angeles International Airport, including American, United, Southwest and
Frontier -- endorsed the so-called Consensus Plan, developed by Hahn and
Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

The group had opposed the mayor's Alternative D proposal, raising concerns
over its cost and doubting whether it would enhance security at the world's
fifth-busiest airport. 

The group is now backing the Consensus Plan because it "will allow the
airport to move forward on much-needed airport improvements without further
delay," said James C. May, the ATA's president and chief executive officer.

"It shows a kind of restraint rarely seen in the planning and development of
large-scale public projects by moving ahead on those things we can agree on,
rather than letting our disagreements stand in our way," he said.

The Consensus Plan would implement $3 billion in projects, such as
improvements to the south airfield and Tom Bradley International Terminal
and constructing a consolidated rental car facility, intermodal
transportation center and "people mover."

Controversial projects, such as locating a remote check-in center in nearby
Manchester Square and razing Terminals 1, 2 and 3, would be pushed to a
second phase and would require more studies.

May also said the ATA supports the plan because it allows for more
participation from the public and major stakeholders, like airlines, in the
approval process.

Hahn touted the group's endorsement during a news conference at LAX.

"The airlines are, undeniably, a critical stakeholder in this process to
modernize LAX, and I am so pleased to that ATA is here to stand with us as a
partner in our effort," he said.

Miscikowski said the endorsement "delivers a strong message that the
Consensus Plan will provide stakeholders at LAX with the access and
oversight needed for the LAX Master Plan."

Public hearings on the plan are scheduled in City Hall before the council's
Planning and Land Use Management Committee on Wednesday; the Commerce,
Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Oct. 7; and the full council on
Oct. 19.


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