San Diego
The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an inquiry into reports of discrimination by the San Diego Unified Port District in contracting with minority-owned businesses at Lindbergh Field, Rep. Jim Bates (D-San Diego) said Wednesday.
But Bates challenged reports that he had requested an investigation of the Port District after he received complaints from black leaders that the airport does not do enough business with minority companies. Lindbergh Field is operated by the Port District.
“It’s not an investigation. It’s an inquiry. . . . The FAA is reviewing the port’s plan to contract jobs in accordance with civil rights laws and affirmative action regulations,” Bates said. “They have a plan, a very good plan. But it seems that they may have forgotten to implement it.”
A report from the FAA should be available in about a month, he said. The airport and other businesses that receive federal contracts or funds are required by law to have affirmative-action plans that include programs for minority hiring and contracts with minority businesses.
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