Torres on ONT Transfer Ceremony
ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) took part in the Airport Transfer Ceremony of Ontario International Airport. The ceremony marked the official completion of the transfer of control of the airport from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to the newly-formed Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).
“Today’s signing has been a long time coming and has truly been a team effort that shows what can be accomplished when this community comes together,” said Torres. “From passionate residents to public officials here in California and in Washington, DC, the transition to local control would not have been possible without the hard work of countless individuals who believe in the benefits this airport can bring to our region.”
On August 6, 2015, after having assumed control of the airport 30 years before, LAWA announced its decision to restore local control of what was then called LA/Ontario International Airport. The transition depended on FAA approval, the creation of a new airport authority, and the passage of legislation allowing the transfer of funds from one airport authority to another. Torres had long advocated for local control of the airport and worked in Congress with Rep. Calvert and other members of the Inland Empire delegation to ensure passage of legislation that was necessary for the transfer to be completed.
“Our region has so much untapped economic potential, and the airport stands to be a key catalyst for the Inland Empire’s future growth,” continued Torres. “Now that we have local control of our airport and a leadership team in place that truly understands and is invested in the region, we can get to work to increase air traffic, attract new businesses, and improve transportation connectivity. Today marks a new chapter for Ontario Airport and the Inland Empire, and I am thrilled to see what lies ahead.”
OIAA Board President Alan Wapner served as Master of Ceremonies. Also in attendance were Senator Dianne Feinstein, Representative Ken Calvert (R-Corona), Representative Grace Napolitano (D-El Monte), Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, State Treasurer John Chiang, Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, LA Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton, LAWA CEO Deborah Flint, OIAA CEO Kelly Fredericks, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, and Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Tommy Lasorda.