LAX Costs: Honesty Needed

Big public-works projects rarely come in exactly on budget, but the final bill for a modernized Los Angeles International Airport could pack a bigger shock than usual. As reported Sunday, a Times analysis of the 5,323-page environmental study of Mayor James K. Hahn’s proposed LAX remodel found that numerous costs have been left out of the estimated $9-billion price tag.

With public hearings underway this week, Hahn owes the public a more realistic calculation.

Think of LAX modernization as a giant kitchen remodel. The demolition turns up asbestos, say, or uncovers frayed wiring that will have to be replaced, costing thousands of dollars more than the already astronomical amount budgeted.

Now imagine that the kitchen contractor knew this work would have to be done but didn’t include it in his bid. Had he done so, the homeowner could have cut costs elsewhere, substituting stock cabinets for custom -- or changed the design entirely.

Left out of the LAX estimate are such known outlays as buying the remaining houses and apartment buildings and moving 6,000 residents out of a Manchester Square neighborhood intended for a remote passenger check-in center. The city’s airport agency estimates that this will cost at least $300 million.

Also not included in the $9-billion estimate are interest and insurance on revenue bonds, the construction of a new freeway interchange and the costs of relocating jackrabbits, spade-footed toads and microscopic fairy shrimp away from the increased traffic, noise and pollution of an airport overhaul, as required by federal and state laws.

Hahn recently agreed that the public needed more than the 45 days he’d originally allocated to review and submit comments on his LAX plan. Even more important is a full accounting of costs. The estimate is already a hefty amount to pay for a remodel that doesn’t include an expansion. The right response to additional costs is to address them head-on, in time to look for ways to tweak the design or cut costs elsewhere.

To Take Action: Public hearings on the proposed LAX remodel will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Ontario Airport Marriott, 2200 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario; Wednesday at Luminarias Restaurant, 3500 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park; and Thursday at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Avenue, San Pedro. For information and the dates of additional hearings, see www.laxmasterplan.org or call Los Angeles World Airports, (310) 646-5252.