Court Rules in Favor of Long Beach Airport, Against PTA

The 4th District California Court of Appeals ruled last week that the EIR filed by Long Beach Airport is adequate, and the airport can proceed with its expansion. In 2006, the PTA (Parent-Teacher's Association) along with Long Beach Unified School District sued the airport, claiming that the draft environmental impact report did not take into consideration noise impacts on area schools that would result from an expansion. In 2008, an Orange County judge shot down those allegations but only the PTA filed for appeal.

But the ruling justice on the matter, William Rylaarsdam, stated in his ruling that the addition of a terminal will not increase the volume of air traffic in or out of the airport, and will thus not increase noise. A 1995 federal statute dictates that LBG be limited to 41 daily commercial flights and 25 daily commuter flights. It is likely that the PTA feared larger terminals might translate to larger aircraft down the road. Because of the relative triviality of the issue, the California Supreme Court is unlikely to even hear an appeal, and thus the PTA is not expected to apply.

Frustrations stemming from the prolonged delay created tensions between the city and JetBlue Airways, the airports largest carrier. The airline threatened to move its operations elsewhere if its demands weren't met - a move that would decimate business at the airport. Since the ruling, the airline has withdrawn those statements, committing to stay. The actual expansion, though less ambitious than previously proposed, will break ground in 2010 and will focus on improvements to common areas. Passengers can expect larger and more comfortable restrooms, waiting areas, security checkpoints, and concessions areas. A parking garage housing upwards of 1,900 cars is also planned. The project will cost around $40 million, and will be funded mainly by airline fees.