LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS ISSUES NOTICE OF PREPARATION FOR PALMDALE REGIONAL AIRPORT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
Coordination Meeting for Governmental Agencies and the Public Scheduled for February 9
(Los Angeles, California – January 27, 2005) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to solicit comments from governmental agencies and the public regarding the scope and content of a Draft Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report (EA/EIR) for the Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) Master Plan. The NOP briefly describes the PMD Master Plan, identifies its potential environmental effects and provides the address where written comments can be sent. An EA/EIR is required by the National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act, respectively. The NOP is available on LAWA’s website at http://www.pmdmasterplan.org/.
A coordination meeting for governmental agencies will be held on February 9, 2005 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Manzanita Ballroom at the Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550. A coordination meeting for the public will be held on the same date and location from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. LAWA is requesting input from interested public agencies and private citizens on issues that need to be considered in the EA/EIR. Written responses will be accepted until 5 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time), February 23, 2005. Responses can be mailed to City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, P.O. Box 92216, Los Angeles, CA 90009-2216, Attention: Paula McHargue, LAWA Forecasting and Analysis Division.
"The NOP and EA/EIR are legally required elements for the development of the PMD Master Plan, which was initiated by LAWA to guide PMD’s growth and development through the year 2030," said Jim Ritchie, LAWA's deputy executive director for long range planning. "The PMD Master Plan will determine PMD’s current local market area and its potential to play a larger role in the regional aviation system in an environmentally sensitive and fiscally responsible manner."
When all agency and public comments are received on the NOP, LAWA will consider those comments and prepare the joint draft EA/EIR. The EA/EIR will analyze potential adverse impacts of the PMD Master Plan, identify potential mitigation measures where reasonable and feasible, and analyze reasonable and feasible alternatives to the PMD Master Plan that could reduce or avoid identified impacts while still achieving basic objectives.
The development of a new PMD Master Plan was initiated under the direction of Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn to promote a regional solution to Southern California's air transportation system and to help accommodate more travelers and air service at PMD. As the Southern California population grows and capacity at existing airports in the Los Angeles Basin become restricted, PMD could serve local market demand and some of the regional demand for both passenger and cargo air service.
"The PMD Master Plan is being developed in three phases and we are currently in Phase II," said Ritchie. "In Phase I, data on PMD’s existing facilities, other aviation facilities in the region and community issues were collected and documented. Phase I also included aviation forecasts over the next 30 years, an analysis of existing airport capacity and a determination of future airport facility requirements. Phase II includes analysis of alternative development scenarios for PMD, recommendations of land use not required for aviation purposes, and an analysis of local and regional roadway systems affecting PMD. Finally, Phase III will concentrate on environmental assessments and analyses, and an implementation plan and financial implementation strategy."
Three alternative improvement concepts were developed in the PMD Master Plan. All of the alternatives propose continued use of United States Air Force Plant 42 airfield under a joint use agreement. Alternative 1, the proposed action, includes expansion of existing airport facilities and development of additional facilities on Plant 42. Alternative 2 proposes development of a terminal building, apron and cargo facilities within an area on LAWA property called Site 9, with a connecting taxiway to Plant 42. Alternative 3 proposes development of terminal building, apron and cargo facilities east of Plant 42, on LAWA property, also with a connecting taxiway to Plant 42.
PMD is located in the Antelope Valley, in the northeast portion of the city of Palmdale on a 60-acre site on Plant 42. The airport features a 9,000 square-foot terminal located at 41000 20th Street, East that is capable of handling up to 300,000 passengers annually. Approximately 350 free parking spaces are located directly outside the PMD terminal.
LAWA owns approximately 17,750 acres of land adjacent to Plant 42, most of which is available for development. The airport is approximately 60 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, off State Highway 14, which is commonly known as the Antelope Valley Freeway.
"The city of Palmdale recognizes the importance of having a regional airport in the community," said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “We continue to work closely and cooperatively with LAWA to ensure a smooth development of the PMD Master Plan. We are pleased in the investment being made at Palmdale Regional Airport, which is located in one of the fastest growing regions in Southern California."
PMD reopened for scheduled commercial air service in December 2004 when Scenic Airlines began nonstop service between PMD and North Las Vegas Airport. This is the first time since 1998 that PMD offered scheduled air service. Since that time, it has served as a commercial airport for occasional charter operations.
PMD is one of four airports owned and operated by LAWA, a Los Angeles city department. The other airports are Los Angeles International, Ontario International and Van Nuys General Aviation.
