Draft Environmental Impact Report released for LAX modernization program

Los Angeles — Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP).  This begins a 45-day public review and comment period that ends October 31, 2016.

The Draft EIR studied the LAX Landside Access Modernization Program, which includes a 2.25- mile Automated People Mover (APM), a Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), two Intermodal Transfer Facilities (ITF), roadway and highway upgrades, transportation management policies, and related plan amendments and other entitlements.

The LAMP is designed to relieve traffic congestion within the LAX Central Terminal Area and on surrounding streets; improve the travel experience for passengers; provide connection to the regional Metro light-rail system at the Airport Metro Connector station at 96th Street/Aviation Boulevard; reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality for communities adjacent to LAX; and transform LAX into a modern, state-of-the-art airport servicing passengers, employees and neighbors.

Release of the DEIR marks the next step in the environmental review and clearance process for LAMP that began in 2014.  The draft report examines potential community impacts and suggests possible mitigation measures to address those impacts.  The environmental process also included collaboration with key agency and community stakeholders.

“The release of the Draft EIR is an important milestone for LAX and the entire region,” said LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint.  “We want to hear from the community, airport users, and area stakeholders about how L.A. can improve ground transportation at LAX, reduce traffic congestion, and directly connect to the Metro regional transit system.”

The project would be built in phases with construction of the APM, ITFs, CONRAC, and initial roadway improvements set to begin in 2017 and 2018 and become operational in 2024.  The other LAMP elements would begin in 2025.

Included in the EIR are cutting-edge sustainability measures that will be implemented as part of the comprehensive LAMP project.  These include identifying program elements for solar power, renewable energy and use of reclaimed water.  Further, all LAMP facilities will exceed  2010 Los Angeles Green Building Standard Codes for Tier 1, exceed 2008 energy efficiency standards by 15 percent, reduce potable water use as required in California Building standard codes by 30 percent, comply with low impact development (LID) standards, provide ample bicycle parking, and improve walkability.

“LAMP encompasses sustainability in design and construction,” said Flint. “Los Angeles is a national leader in sustainable construction, and the modernization of LAX will provide yet another opportunity to raise the bar.”