Rep. Henry Waxman sent a letter Wednesday to the Federal Aviation Association asking that the agency take part in a forum to discuss options for the future of the Santa Monica Airport.
“The Santa Monica Airport is just feet from many homes in Santa Monica," Waxman said. "For years, residents have had to live with safety, noise, and pollution issues at the airport."
The Santa Monica City Council has indicated it would like a 1984 agreement with the FAA and other leases to expire in 2015.
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"It’s time to start having frank conversation with the FAA about SMO post-2015," Waxman said. "I am asking the FAA to participate in a forum to hear from local residents and the city about their priorities for the airport."
Several pilots, mechanics and other aviation industry officials have spoken out against any plans to partially or completely close the airport.
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