Antonovich to Urge Ballot Measure on LAX Expansion

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich today will urge the Board of Supervisors to allow voters a say in whether to expand Los Angeles International Airport or send the expected dramatic increases in freight and passenger volume to Palmdale or Ontario facilities instead.

City airport officials are considering a controversial proposal to nearly double the capacity at LAX, which, at 3,500 acres, is the smallest major airport in the United States.

Some critics of the proposed LAX expansion, including leaders in many of the surrounding communities, favor expanding city-owned facilities at Palmdale and Ontario to help meet the increasing demand. But proponents of LAX expansion, including the group representing the airlines and cargo carriers, say those facilities are, among other shortcomings, too remote.

Antonovich, whose sprawling 5th District includes Palmdale, said many of the arguments against it and Ontario are “without merit” and said these alternatives need to be considered thoroughly before city officials embark on an LAX expansion that could cost at least $12 billion.

“The proposed expansion of LAX affects the entire county and the voters, who would pay $12 [billion] to $24 billion for this, need to be heard,” Antonovich said.