SONC Supports VNYCAC's Budget Proposal for Van Nuys Airport (VNY)

Posted on 05/16/2024

May 16, 2024

Board of Airport Commissioners

SONC Supports VNYCAC’s Comments on the LAWA FY 2024-25 Budget

To Board of Airport Commissioners,

The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council (SONC) at its May 13, 2024 meeting voted unanimously (16-0) to adopt a motion to support the Van Nuys Airport Citizens Advisory Council (VNY CAC)’s comments regarding LAWA’s FY 2024-25 budget.

Whereas, LAWA is in the process of developing the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget for Van
Nuys Airport (VNY),

And, whereas there are no funds currently listed in the budget for use on community
impact mitigations,

And, recognizing that the possibility of charging landing fees for additional revenue was
introduced during the May 2, 2024 LAWA Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC)
budget presentation;

And, considering that Jet fuel fees provide only 19% of LAWAs VNY revenue, and that if
not increased in the FY 24-25 budget these revocable fee permits will not have been
raised in over 10 years;

SONC hereby supports the following VNY CAC requests to:

Implement and begin charging landing fees and/or increase the Jet fuel fee to (1)
provide additional revenue to use for pollution and noise impact mitigation at VNY, (2) to
invest in an automated aircraft identification and billing system to maximize revenue
potential; and (3) offset increases in operating and maintenance costs, general
inflation, and to build reserve funds.

Additionally, SONC supports the VNY CAC recommendations to the BOAC that these
additional revenues generated in FY 2024-25 and beyond be reviewed for uses to
include but not be limited to:

1. Offering GAMI unleaded fuel G100UL in tanks for sale and to reimburse part of the
costs of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) so there is rapid adoption of this FAA
approved unleaded fuel to improve the health of nearby residents.

2. In cooperation with LA City Council District offices, utilize airport revenue where
applicable in funding reports, studies and consultant needs associated with the
development of the new CF-23-1339 Specific Airport Plan, including studies of land use,
economic and environmental impacts, adherence to FAA regulations, and other matters
related to potential airport development land use changes.

3. Allocate more funds to promote the voluntary Quieter Nights Program (QNP) and to
provide timely documentation to the public on which aircraft are flying during the QNP
hours.

4. Provide and ensure working technology for the VNY CAC for presentations, and the recording, broadcasting and subsequent posting of live audio and video of all monthly meetings similar to the BOAC and other city agency meetings.

5. Expand the noise monitoring system to include mobile monitors that use as an example the SENEL method in areas not currently covered and outside the 65 dB DNL contour line to assess noise exposure levels for nearby communities.

6. Fund air pollution monitoring program for residential neighborhoods adjacent to VNY and those affected by VNY overflights.

Additionally, SONC requests that the BOAC not adopt the FY 2024-25 Budget until the public has been given ample notice and opportunity to comment on the Draft Final Budget.

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