Major LAX modernization will ‘destroy myths’ about Los Angeles’ commitment to airport
A major contract covering 25 percent of the Los Angeles International Airport modernization plan was approved Wednesday by the Los Angeles City Council in what one member described as destroying the myths around the airport.
“There is not one of us who haven’t been embarrassed by what we see at LAX,” said Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents the area. “There have been myths that Los Angeles would not invest in the airport. Myths that NIMBYs were blocking the modernization,” he said, referring to “Not In My Backyard” objectors.
“Today, we destroy those myths.”
The council approved a $961-million contract with a joint venture of Turner/PCL to construct a midfield satellite concourse which will provide 11 new gates that will be able to accommodate the larger planes now flying in to LAX.
The midfield satellite is part of an overall transportation improvement plan, Bonin said, that will eventually include a people mover from the Green Line to the terminals and a rental car concourse.
“We are restructuring the airport,” Bonin said. “No longer will people have to take a shuttle bus to get around. This will become an entirely different airport.”
Plans call for the new midfield satellite to be open in 2020, with the other improvements coming in future years.
Councilman Tom LaBonge said the improvements are needed to help the ever-growing tourism industry.
“We want everyone to stop at L.A., and that means coming in to LAX,” LaBonge said.
Bonin said residents living near the airport have supported the project.
“Another of the myths was that NIMBYs were blocking modernization,” Bonin said.
“That is not the case.”
The only aspect opposed by residents was the location of the north airfield, which they wanted to make sure would be far enough away from homes to reduce noise concerns.
By: Rick Orlov
