Congresswoman Torres Celebrates Announcement of New Nonstop Destination Flight from Ontario International Airport to Baltimore Washington International
Bringing California’s 35th District Closer to Our Nation’s Capital
Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee which oversees federal aviation spending, released the following statement following the announcement of a new, non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Fostering connections between California’s 35th district and our nation’s Capital is essential for supporting the continued growth of Southern California’s airport, ensuring it meets the rising demand for air travel to the East Coast.
"Today’s announcement of the first non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) ever to Washington, D.C. at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is a significant win for our community and the economy of the Inland Empire. Our area is one of the fastest growing population centers in the entire United States, so I am thrilled to see the Inland Empire’s primary airport expanding its reach, making travel more accessible for our residents, civic leaders, advocates, and businesses to the nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This achievement is a testament to the importance of regaining local control of Ontario Airport years ago and the importance of proactive and strategic transportation decisions. Together, we've worked hard to secure crucial funding through THUD appropriations, which supports vital projects at our airports. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this new route will have on our region."
Background: Since entering Congress, Congresswoman Norma Torres has been a steadfast advocate for the Ontario International Airport (ONT), facilitating its transfer from the city of Los Angeles to the Ontario International Airport Authority. Strategically located at the heart of a vital freight movement system, ONT plays a crucial role in stimulating economic activity in the region and provides local businesses with convenient access to broader markets. To advance local control of the airport, Congresswoman Torres worked with bipartisan colleagues to pass essential legislation that implements the agreement between ONT and LAX. Now that the community has local control, she is focused on enhancing accessibility through public transit initiatives and has supported substantial funding for various projects at ONT, including $15.9 million for runway and taxiway improvements, $2.52 million for low-emission equipment, and $24.82 million for airport concessions that create good-paying jobs. The Congresswoman also led the Inland Empire delegation last year in sending a letter to the House Transportation Committee advocating for more slots for Ontario to get a nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Air Cargo Caucus, she is committed to supporting ONT's growth as a leading air cargo airport in the U.S. and has worked to secure international flights to Central America, further bolstering the region's economic development. As Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) FAA Reauthorization Chair, the Congressman also spearheaded aviation efforts and priorities for the Caucus.
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