Major airport transit project clears hurdle

[DEVELOPING] — A $145-million regional transportation center cleared one of its last remaining hurdles Tuesday morning after airport commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the massive project to the Burbank City Council.

The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Tuesday unanimously approved a series of agreements to link Bob Hope Airport with passenger trains, shuttles, buses, taxicabs and rental cars after the project cleared a number of environmental studies.

Commissioners called on Burbank officials to contribute $1 million in grant funding to the project instead of to a competing transportation station proposed by developer M. David Paul & Associates. Airport commissioners also moved ahead with putting together a team for design and construction documents, and approved $225,000 for concept development.

“I am very impressed with this package,” Burbank Commissioner Charles Lombardo said. “I really think this will be a beacon for the region.”

Executive Director Dan Feger said the project would provide broad benefits to the Southland, enhancing public transportation along Empire Avenue to the Bob Hope Train Station platform.

Buses and rental cars would enter or exit the center near Hollywood Way and Avon Street, and air passengers would have the option of using an elevated moving sidewalk connecting the transit center and airport terminal complex.

“Convenience is what we sell here,” Feger said. “That’s what we’re all about.”