November 23rd 2024.
On Friday, the Port of Oakland Commission unanimously gave the green light to the proposed expansion of Oakland Airport. During their meeting on Thursday, they certified the Environmental Impact Report, marking an important step in replacing an aging terminal and upgrading the airport's infrastructure.
Next, the project proposal will be sent to the Federal Aviation Agency for a federal environmental review. This review will help streamline passenger service and bring the airport up to modern standards. However, there are some opponents who believe the EIR is flawed and incomplete in its assessment of the project's potential impact on the environment and public health.
Port of Oakland Board President Michael Colbruno expressed the significance of the proposed OAK Terminal Modernization and Development Project, stating that it will greatly impact the future of both the airport and the region. He also noted that this milestone will allow the Port to continue making progress on the project while also creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The main focus of the project is to replace parts of Terminal 1, which was built in the 1960s and is now outdated in terms of efficiency, safety, and seismic standards. The Port of Oakland plans to demolish the existing terminal and replace it with a new one within the current airport footprint. Supporters of the project believe that this will help meet the expected increase in air travel demand over the next 20 years.
However, opponents of the project have rejected the commissioners' reasoning. They argue that air travel has significantly decreased at Oakland Airport since the pandemic began and is expected to continue falling as more people work remotely. The Stop OAK Expansion Alliance is concerned that the project will lead to a dramatic increase in toxic air pollution for airport workers and nearby communities. They also point out that the final EIR did not include a Community Health Impact Assessment.
David Foecke, a member of the steering committee for Stop OAK Expansion Alliance, stated that they are exploring their options to delay the project in order to ensure that the Port complies with state laws to protect the health of vulnerable children in East Oakland who are exposed to air pollution under the flight paths. He also mentioned that the commissioners disregarded the testimony of these mothers during the Port's hearing.
In response, Port of Oakland commissioners have reassured the public that they are committed to minimizing the project's impact on the local community while also improving the airport. Craig Simon, the Port's Director of Aviation, expressed his excitement over the Board's certification of the Final EIR and what it means for their mission to provide travelers with modern, state-of-the-art facilities. He also stated that they are eager to begin the federal environmental review process as they work towards a bright future for OAK.
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