According to the Santa Monica Airport Association (SMAA), a temporary restraining order from the California District Court has put the brakes on the City of Santa Monica’s plans to shorten the runway at the Santa Monica Airport. The city had planned to start reducing the available runway length from 4,973 to 3,500 feet today, with completion expected by the end of the year.
Santa Monica Runway is Safe, For Now
Key Takeaways:
- A temporary restraining order has halted the City of Santa Monica's plans to shorten the Santa Monica Airport (SMO) runway from 4,973 to 3,500 feet.
- The court ruled that the city's action could not be taken without a public hearing, despite a "consent decree" drafted behind closed doors by the City and the FAA.
- The legality of the City-FAA agreement, which also aims to close the airport in 2028, is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals.
- SMO is designated as "critical infrastructure" and contributes significantly to the local economy, generating 1,500 jobs and $241 million annually.
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