January 25, 1998
The Honorable Jane Garvey Administrator,
The Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters
800 Independence Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20591
Dear Ms. Garvey:
I know that you are aware of the impending closure of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station and of the controversy over the future of this important piece of Orange County property. Many people are very anxious to know the FAA’s opinion regarding the viability of this site as a potential commercial airport -- and for good reason! The FAA has very high credibility with the public on aviation related matters. I thought you might be interested in some public opinion survey work we recently did in Orange County, and I am enclosing a copy of the results for your perusal. In particular, I would call your attention to questions 14 through 22. These results show that a very high percentage of respondents give great credibility to the FAA.
You can imagine my surprise when I saw a flyer put out by commercial airport proponents that declared, “FAA Backs El Toro.” This was doubly surprising, because your staff have been very steadfast in assuring us at the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority that the FAA had not yet taken any position regarding the viability of a commercial airport at El Toro. When we spoke with Quinton Taylor in November, he repeated past assurances that the FAA would not get involved in this process until there was a concrete airport proposal on the table. Unfortunately, a contrary message is being circulated, along with the imprimatur of a former FAA Administrator.
Because this obviously could impair the very high credibility of the FAA, I thought you would be interested, and I am enclosing a copy for your review. There are many serious air safety issues involved in the discussion of a potential airport at El Toro, and all of us would like to know the FAA’s opinion, sooner rather than later. In particular, the letter of January 6, 1998 from Supervisors Wilson and Spitzer, regarding runway 7, asks for answers that may influence major spending on airport plans by the county and home purchases by residents. If, nevertheless, you still have not rendered any official opinion regarding this potential airport, would you please confirm that in writing?
Thank you for your interest and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Richard Dixon Chairman
CC: Quinton Taylor
Enclosures [Flyers]
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