Dateline Washington — U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Culver City) today criticized the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to keep Santa Monica Airport open through 2023, concluding the city must meet its federal grant obligations put into effect in 2003.

“The decision of the FAA to use a bureaucratic loophole in order to keep Santa Monica Airport open seven more years is appalling and unjust,” Ms. Bass said.

As www.flyingmag.com reported, the FAA denied an appeal of an earlier decision and maintained the city is required to keep the airport open because it accepted federal grant money for airport improvements.

Santa Monica received $1.6 million for planning and airport development in 1994. Projects funded by the grant were completed in 1996. However, the city applied for and received an additional $240,600 in 2003. The FAA maintains that its agreements with grant recipients last for the life of the facility built with the money or 20 years.

Ms. Bass said that “we cannot stand by while the FAA acts as judge and jury, throwing out the city’s appeal and deciding to keep open an airport that has caused disruptions, and health and safety issues.

“These problems not only have affected the people of Santa Monica,” Ms Bass said, “but the people in the 37th congressional district.

“I look forward to seeing city officials, on the right side of this issue, continuing appeals in the federal court system.”
City officials said they will continue their appeals in the federal court system.