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DOT 17-06
Contact: Brian Turmail, Tel.: (202) 366-4570
Thursday, February 2, 2006
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta Announces $56.5 Million in
Grants To Fund Safer, More Efficient Runway Layout for LAX and Soundproofing
Nearby Homes
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will have a safer, more efficient runway
layout and hundreds of nearby houses will be quieter thanks to a total of $56.5
million in new grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Secretary
of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced today.
“Today, we see real progress in making the airport safer, more efficient and a
better neighbor,” Mineta said. “This has been a long, difficult process, but as
a former mayor, I know it is an important one.”
A grant for $29.5 million will help pay to relocate one of the airport’s four
runways further to the south, making room for a new taxiway. The new layout for
LAX’s South Airfield will make it easier for planes to taxi to and from runways
and help avoid take off and landing delays at the airport. Today’s grant brings
the total federal investment in the runway to $68.3 million, Mineta added,
noting that the FAA ultimately expects to invest over one hundred million
dollars in the runway project.
The runway work also will reduce the number of times aircraft come too close
together, known as an incursion, as they make their way to the runway or
terminal. Mineta said there were too many incursions at the airport, noting that
there were eight in 2005 and seven in 2004. He said that the improvements to the
airport’s layout should all but eliminate incursions.
“Fixing the runway will make this a safer airport,” said Secretary Mineta. “And
that gives us all reason to be more confident in the safety of flights in and
out of Los Angeles.”
The other $27 million will help soundproof more than 500 homes in Lennox, El
Segundo and Inglewood, Mineta said. The money will pay for double-paned windows,
solid doors and better attic insulation, all of which, Secretary Mineta said, is
“intended to give families a break from jet noise.”
The Secretary added that, including today’s payment, the FAA has invested over
$106 million to soundproof more than 2,400 homes in the region since 1998.
Ultimately, about 8,000 homes will be modified once work is completed.
During his visit to the airport, Mineta toured the current runway and the area
where the runway will be relocated and the new taxiway added. He also met with a
nearby homeowner to see new sound-resistant windows, doors and insulation. LAX
Executive Director Lydia Kennard joined the Secretary during his visit.
The Secretary's Speech can be found at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/minetasp020206.htm.
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