Burbank Airport Faces Ultimatum: Build or Repay

The top Federal Aviation Administration official told a delegation of congressmen and leaders from Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena on Wednesday that unless they decide in 60 days to build a new terminal at Burbank Airport, the government will demand $46 million back.

In the hourlong meeting in Washington, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey also rebuffed the delegation’s request to appoint a high-level agency staff member to work directly with local authorities to help resolve issues regarding a replacement terminal and flight curfews for the airport. She told disappointed participants that an FAA representative would be available by telephone.

Those at the meeting said Blakey, whom they found to be candid and blunt, seemed fed up by the years of litigation and political fighting that have immobilized the replacement terminal project, which used $46 million in federal funds toward buying land for the proposed project.

Last November, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, citing insurmountable political opposition, voted to drop its two-decade effort for a new terminal.

Blakey expressed a strong desire to “have this wrapped up quickly, or have the funds returned,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).

Blakey ordered airport officials to determine what portion of the 130-acre parcel, only part of which had been designated for the proposed terminal, has no “independent aeronautical use” other than as a new terminal site and to develop a plan “to dispose of that land,” said agency spokeswoman Marcia Adams.

“The FAA has made a significant federal investment on the proposed terminal project since the 1990s,” Adams said. “To date, there is still no local consensus and we don’t see that forthcoming.” She added that Blakey feels the money could be put to better use improving security or adding capacity at other airports.

Local officials told Blakey that the 60-day deadline would be unrealistic, given the political hurdles.

A Burbank law requires voter approval before a new terminal can be built, and Burbank voters and council members have vowed not to permit a new terminal unless the airport also has nightly flight curfews to reduce noise. The FAA won’t consider a request for curfews unless the airport completes a cost-benefit study, which would not be completed for at least a year.

Schiff said he would lead an effort to develop a timeline for getting any terminal project back on track and to meet with the FAA again in an effort to soften the agency’s stance, before the 60-day deadline.