SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) applauds the Burbank City Council for its leadership on supporting the construction of a replacement terminal at the Hollywood-Burbank Airport. The Council’s support for the project has paved the way for the Hollywood-Burbank Airport Replacement Terminal Project to appear on the November 8 ballot as Measure B. VICA supports Measure B and encourages local residents to support the ballot measure as well.
If approved by voters, the development agreement will allow the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority to build a 14-gate, 355,000-square-foot replacement terminal. In addition, local residents will receive a stronger voice on certain Airport Authority decisions.
VICA commends the Airport Authority for its transparency throughout the entire process. The main priority during the Measure B discussions has been the need for a safer terminal building. The authority has put forth a thoughtful and honest effort to build a safer, more convenient terminal, financed by the passengers, airlines and airport tenants. City of Burbank taxes will not be used for the replacement terminal’s construction.
“Constructing a replacement terminal will guarantee that the Hollywood-Burbank Airport remains competitive with other more modern airports,” VICA President Stuart Waldman said.
Local residents are aware of the important role the Hollywood-Burbank Airport has in the community, including the operational impacts of a large airport. Since its inception in 1930, the Hollywood-Burbank Airport has been an economic engine for the entire Los Angeles region. Within Burbank, the airport annually generates $12 million in tax revenue. During the 2013 fiscal year, the airport generated $1.8 billion of total economic output for the region. The Replacement Terminal Project aims to preserve the strong economic role of the airport.
“We already know the economic importance of the Hollywood-Burbank Airport,” Waldman said. “Moving forward, it is imperative that we ensure the airport’s longevity, safety and passenger convenience so it can continue to generate such promising growth throughout Los Angeles.”
Although the terminal has been retrofitted several times throughout its 86-year history to improve its structural integrity, a replacement terminal building will provide stronger safety and seismic protections. The existing terminal’s proximity to the runways does not meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards. Constructing a replacement terminal will provide a safer airport experience while maintaining the conveniences of the existing building.
VICA supports the Hollywood-Burbank Airport Replacement Terminal Project vote and looks forward to seeing the Measure B vote on November 8.