"Flights from Mexico to Fresno Yosemite Airport OK'd with caveats"

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Flights from Mexico OK'd with caveats 
By Robert Rodriguez
The Fresno (CA) Bee 


Seeking to protect the region's multibillion-dollar farm economy from
harmful pests and disease, the Fresno City Council on Tuesday approved
safeguards for international flights into the city.

Council Member Jerry Duncan raised the issue as the city continues its
efforts to land Mexicana Airlines, Mexico's leading international air
carrier, at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Duncan said the standards are intended to serve as part of the city's deal
points in negotiating with Mexicana or any other international air carrier.

"These are the standards that we need to shoot for," he said. 

The council approved the guidelines with six in favor and Council Member
Brian Calhoun abstaining. The standards include:

Creation of a state-of-the-art inspection facility staffed by experienced
and knowledgeable agricultural inspectors.

A commitment from the city for secure and permanent funding for the
facility.

100% inspection of baggage, both checked and carried on.

Use of a properly trained dog and handler.

An agreement by Mexicana to provide preboarding screening activities at
points of departure in Mexico.

Russ Widmar, the city's aviation director, called the guidelines "reasonable
and implementable." Building an inspection facility would cost about $1.7
million, he said, and operational costs are estimated at $1.2 million a
year.

Although Widmar has not been in contact with Mexicana officials for more
than a month, he said they are aware of the proposal and that he will
forward a copy of the council's decision to them.

Meadows Field Airport in north Bakersfield also is competing to offer direct
flights to Mexico by Mexicana.

In Fresno, farm advocates who helped draft the guidelines said they are not
opposed to incoming international flights but are concerned about the
potential impact if a pest or disease were to arrive accidentally.

The discovery of a dangerous pest could trigger an immediate agricultural
quarantine of up to 100 miles, said Dennis Plann, Fresno County deputy
agricultural commissioner.

In effect, Fresno County, the nation's leading farm county, would be
prohibited from moving any agricultural products outside the quarantine
area.

The potential losses could be severe.

"We need international flights," said Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei
Farmers League. "But we also need to make sure our industry is protected and
the thousands of jobs it provides."


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