LAX Amendment by Congresswoman Waters Included in FAA Bill

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, today. Though opposed to the bill because $9.8 million in cuts to Airport Improvement Program funding in California would cost jobs and decrease safety, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) authored an amendment to ensure that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) improves its communication with the surrounding communities.

The Waters amendment, included in the final bill, urges Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the operator of LAX, to consult with representatives of the surrounding communities regarding airport operations and plans to expand, modify or realign airport facilities. LAX, located in the Congresswoman's district, is the sixth busiest airport in the world for passengers and ranks 13th in air cargo tonnage handled worldwide.

"Airports have a large impact on the residents and businesses that surround them: they get us where we need to go and they are economic hubs that employ many people, but they also create noise, cause pollution, and increase traffic congestion," said Congresswoman Waters. "This is acutely the situation at LAX, and the communities that I represent, including Inglewood, Westchester, Playa del Rey and South Los Angeles have been struggling for years as the airport continues to pursue expansion and construction projects that may be unnecessary.

"My amendment would simply urge LAX to be a more responsive and responsible neighbor by meeting with community representatives of these cities and towns," Congresswoman Waters continued. "Everyone is helped when they are better informed about developments in their own backyard, especially when those developments have the potential to uproot families and small businesses. As the gateway to L.A. and an economic engine in a crowded metro area, I know LAX wants to be the best possible neighbor it can be. This amendment will help make that possible."

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