U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) expressed her concerns over the expansion of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in a letter to the Los Angeles World Airports Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC).
Waters said the expansion, part of the Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP), would create added noise and air pollution for her constituents.
“LAX is an important economic engine and a job creator for my district and the entire Southern California region, but it is also responsible for a significant amount of noise, air pollution, and traffic congestion for everyone who lives nearby,” Waters wrote. “An increase in LAX capacity of this magnitude would facilitate a significant increase in the number of planes being accommodated by LAX and a corresponding increase in landings and departures, harmful emissions, traffic congestion, and noise for my constituents and all who live and work in the surrounding communities. While I support efforts to enhance airfield and terminal safety and improve the passenger experience at LAX, I continue to oppose any attempt to expand the capacity of the airport.”
The proposed expansion would develop a new Terminal 9 with 12 to 18 new gates, as well as a new Concourse with between 6 and 9 new gates. The new gates would replace 15 of the 18 West Remote Gates. The project would create 27 gates, for a total expansion of up to 12 additional gates.
“I, therefore, oppose any increase in the total number of gates at LAX. I also oppose the development of new gates — and the bifurcation of existing gates — for any purpose other than to replace gates that are being eliminated,” Waters said. “I respectfully request that the Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) amend the ATMP to ensure that there is no net increase in the total number of gates at LAX and conduct a thorough analysis of the environmental impacts of the project.”
Following the receipt of the Congresswoman’s letter, the BOAC said that it would postpone its vote on the ATMP until its next meeting on Oct. 7, 2021.