In the News | Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Airport Authority Extends Public Comment Period for Airport Master Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report

Public may comment on proposed near-term airport improvements until January 4, 2008

SAN DIEGO – November 13, 2007– The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has extended the public comment period for the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that studies a proposed plan to optimize the facilities and the airfield at San Diego International Airport (SDIA).  Agencies, residents and other interested parties now have until January 4, 2008, to submit comments on the draft EIR.  The public comment was previously scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2007.

The draft EIR addresses near-term improvements designed to allow SDIA to meet current passenger demand. These include a ten-gate build-out of Terminal 2, a dual-level roadway in front of Terminal 2 and various parking, roadway and airfield improvements.

The full-disclosure report is meant to inform the public about any and all possible impacts to the environment and seek comments on alternatives to reduce impacts associated with improvements to the airport.

Areas studied in the draft EIR are:

The Airport Authority is hosting a series of open house–style community meetings throughout San Diego County to give residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposed new facilities and improvements and the draft EIR for near-term improvements at San Diego International Airport.  The dates and locations of upcoming community meetings are:

During all community meetings, airport experts are available to answer questions and give a formal presentation on the proposed new facilities and draft EIR at 6 p.m., except for the November 17 community meeting in Carlsbad where the presentation will begin at 4 p.m.

To review environmental documents, learn more and get involved, visit the new Airport planning Web site at www.sanplan.com. 

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was established by state law in 2003 to operate San Diego International Airport and to address the region’s long-term air transportation needs. The Airport Authority is governed by a nine-member appointed Board representing all areas of the County. San Diego International Airport — funded through user fees and not local taxes — served some 17.5 million passengers in 2006.

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