Congresswoman Waters: LAX Runway Decision is a Crucial Victory for Residents

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) – whose District includes Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – cheered today's decision by the panel tasked with analyzing LAX expansion to keep the north runways in their current configuration and not expand into neighboring communities.

"This decision is a crucial victory for residents that live near the airport, all of whom are my constituents," said Congresswoman Waters. "This is an issue we have been focused on for years and one that has often evoked passionate debate in our community. I am happy to say today that residents can rest assured knowing that their homes are safe."

A joint panel between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and academic experts reached this conclusion after studying five different scenarios, one of which was to do nothing. The other scenarios would have encroached upon homes in Westchester and Playa del Ray, communities in the Congresswoman's District, forcing families to uproot their lives. Additionally, the expansion or relocation of runways also impacts the inbound and outbound flight patterns. Inglewood, the geographic center of Congresswoman Waters' district, would have been subjected to increased noise pollution.

"For years I have heard from constituents who were literally at their wit's end, unsure of the future of their homes," said Congresswoman Waters. "LAX is an important economic hub in my District, but this decision is the right one because it preserves schools, businesses and homes without mitigating air travel or decreasing safety standards."

"I applaud the panel's decision, and look forward to working in a continued, constructive manner with LAX and with local organizations and resident groups to make sure that everyone fulfills their neighborly obligations."

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