Navy's refusal to lease land complicates airport proposal

LOS ANGELES (AP) The city's desire for a commercial airport at the former El Toro Marine base has been complicated by the Navy's commitment to sell most of the land at public auction.

City officials say an airstrip is desperately needed at the Orange County site to relieve growing demand at Los Angeles International Airport. But acting Navy Secretary Hansford T. Johnson has said he will oppose such an effort.

Orange County voters rejected an airport proposal last year in favor of development centered around a large park.

Some observers say the only way Los Angeles will get its way is if, after 30 years, federal transportation officials reverse a policy of letting local areas determine the fate of airport expansion and construction.

That is unlikely, said Don Segner, a former associate administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration.

``Someone from the White House would have to put their foot down,'' he said. ``You'd really have to rock the boat. It seems they like to keep things running smoothly.''

Federal agencies need a regulatory reason to intervene in local affairs, said Phillip Kolczynski, a former FAA attorney in Santa Ana.

``It's a political decision, not a legal one,'' he said.

Local officials haven't abandoned their efforts, however. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss whether to send a letter to Sens. Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein, the head of the FAA and Transportation Secretary Norman Minetta supporting the city's proposal to lease the base for airport use.

Los Angeles officials acknowledge their idea is dead if the fate of the airport rests with nearby residents.

``We understand this is a longshot, but it's one we feel is worth pursuing until we're told it's not an option for the federal government,'' Matt Middlebrook, a spokesman for Mayor James K. Hahn, said last week.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)