Santa Monica Airport Correctly Using Aviation Funds: FAA

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Monday aviation funds may be used to pay for the removal of excess pavements at Santa Monica Airport that are no longer needed for aircraft operations, the City of Santa Monica announced.

The determination was made in response to a complaint filed in February by National Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and General Aviation Manufacturers Association vs. the City of Santa Monica, the press release said. The complaint challenged the use of airport funds for the runway shortening project, which was completed in December 2017, as well as the Excess Pavement Removal Project, which is scheduled to be completed by November 8.

"This is good news that comes as we complete the removal of the excess pavement and hydroseed the areas that are no longer needed for the safe operation of aircraft to our now shortened runway," Mayor Gleam Davis said. "The FAA determination clearly states that we are working in accordance with the Consent Decree and FAA rules, and the shortened runway ensures safe and proper aviation use until the airport closes in 2029."

The FAA’s determination states the "removal of the subject pavements, pavement pulverization and reuse, and the soil stabilization at SMO appear justified as an airport operating cost." The determination also includes that the airport met all applicable standards prior to the pavement removal and the airfield remains compliant with all applicable standards following completion of the project.”

For more information, visit the City of Santa Monica website.