Congressmen Pursuing Airport Curfew Legislation

A last-minute addition to pending legislation to fund the Federal Aviation Administration would impose a mandatory curfew on Bob Hope and Van Nuys airports. Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-Glendale), Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) and Howard Berman (D-North Hollywood) are attempting to get the add on with the support of the cities of Los Angeles. The trio wrote a letter to chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure seeking support for the legislation. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Schiff, Sherman and Berman,” said Burbank City Manager Michael Flad. “We know that securing federal legislation is not a sprint. It will be a long and strenuous marathon and we are pleased they will be our partners in this important work.” In November, the FAA turned down an application for a mandatory 10 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. curfew (except for emergency and medical flights) at Bob Hope, saying the airport had failed to meet four of the six criteria. Van Nuys is currently going through the same FAA process to get a curfew. The proposed legislation would only apply to Bob Hope and Van Nuys. If the congressmen fail to get the language in the FAA Reauthorization bill, other legislation will be pursued, Flad said. Mark R. Madler