FEDERAL AND LOCAL AGENCIES INVITE COMMENT ON DRAFT LAX MASTER PLAN AT PUBLIC HEARINGS SET FOR JUNE 9 Consideration of Environmental, Economic and Social Effects of LAX Modernization Subject of Three Sessions Near LAX

(Los Angeles, California -- June 1, 2001) Three public hearings will be held Saturday, June 9, 2001, for the public to comment to federal and local officials on the proposed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Master Plan and the related Draft Environmental Impact Study/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR).

The hearings will provide interested persons the opportunity to express their views on the environmental, economic and social effects of the development of the plan.

Each comment spoken or presented in writing at the hearings will be addressed by officials in the final document. No decisions on the project will be made at the public hearings.

"We have an urgent problem of overcrowding at LAX and we encourage all interested parties to attend and let their voices be heard," said Jim Ritchie, deputy executive director of long range planning for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which owns and operates LAX and three other airports in the region.

The hearings will be conducted jointly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and City of Los Angeles/LAWA from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Furama Hotel Los Angeles
8601 Lincoln Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-8111

The Pavilion at Hollywood Park
3883 W. Century Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90303
(310) 330-2841

Manhattan Beach Marriott
1400 Parkview Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-7511

Prior to the hearings, from noon to 2:00 p.m., attendees will be able to watch a video on the Master Plan, review exhibits, and talk to experts about the major elements of the LAX Master Plan, including details about the two five-runway and one four-runway option and one "No Action, No Project" alternative. Staff will also be able to respond to queries regarding its choice of Alternative C, the "No New Runway" Alternative, over others proposed.

Those who cannot attend the public hearings can submit their views in writing to

the FAA or LAWA through 5 p.m., July 25, 2001. Comments submitted by that date will be considered equally with those provided at the public hearings. Send comments to:

Mr. David B. Kessler, AICP
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
AWP-611.2
P.O. Box 92007
Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007

Or

Mr. Jim Ritchie
City of Los Angeles
Los Angeles World Airports
Master Plan Office
P.O. Box 92216
Los Angeles, CA 90009-2216

More information on the LAX Master Plan, including the entire contents of the Draft EIS/EIR, is available online at www.laxmasterplan.org.