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Los Angeles County, CA February 24, 2009 Election
Smart Voter

Bob Hope Airport

By Barbara Sharp

Candidate for Member of the City Council; City of Burbank

This information is provided by the candidate
Burbank currently enjoys a 97% voluntary curfew compliance rate and will see additional annual revenue from wing tip fuel taxes
Presently, the voluntary curfew compliance rate is 97%. It is estimated that the imposition of a mandatory curfew will cause cargo flights to be diverted, with one carrier's bank courier operations relocated in its entirety. This is in addition to the expected relocation of corporate operators, as well as passenger costs for cancelled or diverted flights. As aviation continues upgrading to "Stage-3" aircraft, Burbank residents are direct beneficiaries of superior technology in terms of noise reduction, and even more so, as "Next Generation" aircraft comes online. Noise is a concern we all share, however, a curfew does not necessarily address the overall noise signature. In the end, the decision to implement a mandatory curfew is within the sole discretion of the Federal Aviation Administration.

We know the airport is a huge economic resource for our City, and a recent change in legislation now allows Burbank to reap an additional approximately $500,000 in wing-tip fuel revenue. We should look at whether continuing to fund expensive studies to address a 3% shortfall is the best use of our money.

Additionally, Burbank is, for the time being, protected from the threat of airport expansion. Since the Airport Development Agreement does not expire until 2015, Council members elected to serve these next four years will not be addressing the fate of the B6 property. Furthermore, Measure B, which I fully support, requires the issue of a new or relocated terminal to be voted upon by the residents of Burbank. I also support avoiding Easterly take-offs, such that the Hillside and other areas not currently impacted by the Airport continue to be protected.

I welcome the opportunity to speak with flight path residents regarding these issues.

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