August 05, 2003

ASAP21 Letter to the U-T Editor 8-05-04

Nancy Dix? opinion piece of July 29 ignored the many studies completed on Lindbergh Field?s expansion, including the Airport Master Plan in 1999. And she did not mention the importance of an efficient and convenient international airport as being vital to the continued operation and growth of the region?s hi-tech, biotech, leisure, convention and tourism industries, several of which are forecast to surpass the military?s economic impact over the next 20 years. Her comments on the recent FAA capacity study failed to mention that San Diego International Airport met five of the six stringent criteria necessary for inclusion on the study?s ?capacity constrained? list. The FAA study documents Lindbergh Field?s insurmountable limitations as FAA Associate Administrator for Airports ?Woodie? Woodward acknowledged, ?It?s not a problem addressed by this study, but it?s clearly a problem.?

We have found Ms. Dix and her organization unwilling to work with other stakeholders to find common ground. For example, her argument to delay the vote to 2008 ignores the actions that the Airport Authority has already taken to delay its study of military sites in order to support the region?s defense of its military bases from closure under BRAC 2005. Postponing this vote would delay the airport planning process by two full years at a minimum, and possibly much longer.

San Diego International Airport has experienced tremendous growth in passenger and air cargo services in 2004. In view of the most recent air traffic forecast, which indicates that the airport will begin to experience severe runway congestion and delays between 2015 and 2022, and given the 10-15 years required to permit and construct a new airport, any delay would have a significant negative impact on the region?s economy, our standard of living and the quality of life that we enjoy in San Diego.

The reality is this. We need to agree on a solution in 2006 and implement it as soon as possible or the airport will become an economic impediment instead of an economic engine. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is moving ahead to find the best solution. Let it continue to do so without being attacked by those unwilling to work together for the region as a whole.


Ray Robbins Chairman
John Chalker
President    

Last Updated: April 12, 2005

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