AIRPORT COMMISSION APPROVES DRAFT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT GRANTING 309-ACRE EASEMENT FOR STATE ROUTE 138 BYPASS IN PALMDALE

(Los Angeles, California - March 6, 2002) The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a draft cooperative agreement with the State of California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) that grants an easement for constructing the State Route 138 bypass in the City of Palmdale. The agreement will be for a period of 25 years, and is subject to an extension of an additional 25 years.

Today's action is part of a Cooperation Agreement signed October 1999 by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the City of Palmdale and Palmdale's Community Redevelopment Agency to seek ways to improve the transportation infrastructure in the vicinity of and leading to Palmdale Regional Airport.

“Granting this easement is an investment in the future, and is another step in developing an infrastructure that will better serve the City of Palmdale and the entire Antelope Valley, said LAWA Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard. She added, "Construction of the Route 138 bypass will play a vital role in ensuring the future success of Palmdale Airport."

The easement includes 309 acres of approximately 17,750 acres owned by LAWA in the Antelope Valley, most of which is available for development.

Palmdale Regional Airport is located approximately 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. It is owned and operated by LAWA, a Los Angeles City department which also owns and operates Los Angeles International, Ontario International and Van Nuys Airports.