SUPERVISOR WILSON TO MEET WITH WHITE HOUSE AND NAVY
 

Supervisors Tom Wilson and Chuck Smith will be traveling to Washington, D.C. the first week in April to meet with various agencies and federal counterparts.  As members of the El Toro Master Lease Subcommittee for the County, the trip is intended to continue the planning process, which will ultimately determine the reuse of former MCAS El Toro.

Since the passage of Measure W on March 5, 2002, the Department of the Navy has suggested the County accomplish many milestones including development of a new reuse plan which excludes aviation; submit conveyance applications to allow specific parcels to be conveyed; and work with local communities to develop a long term non-aviation strategy that benefits the County as a whole.  Should the Navy lose confidence in the County's ability to meet these goals, they have eluded their only option would be for the General Services Administration (GSA) to parcel the land and sell the 4,700 acres - a price has not yet been set, but already many developers have requested to view the property in anticipation.

This fact-finding trip will focus on the Record of Decision (ROD) and Master Lease; a need to define what the Navy's timeline might be; and examine what the County's options are.  This follows a recent impromptu meeting with the Navy that Congressman Cox, Supervisor Spitzer, and Supervisor Silva held while the Supervisors were in Washington, DC on OCTA business following the election.  Supervisors Spitzer and Silva were able to initiate discussions with the federal government which will be necessary for a comprehensive, methodical approach to the reuse process.  The Master Lease Subcommittee trip will occur just prior to the Navy is issuance of their Record of Decision for the property.  The ROD will act as the blueprint for the final mixed reuse plan and should dictate the opportunities to be considered.  The property itself falls under the sphere of influence of the City of Irvine which is hoping for annexation.

"I'm anxious to verify the Navy's position on the heels of Congressmen Issa and Cunningham's statements and following the previous meetings with the County Supervisors.  A solid relationship with all parties, as well as dedication to seeing the reuse process move forward under the premise of Measure W, will be the best course of action for everyone involved" said Wilson.

(Santa Ana, CA)