Press Room

Federal legislation facilitating transfer of ONT to local control wins final approval

Posted on:

FAA bill now goes to President for signing

ONTARIO, Calif. – July 13, 2016 — Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) officials hailed final passage today of federal legislation facilitating the transfer of Ontario International Airport (ONT) to local control.

The legislation for ONT was included in a bill to extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) programs and policies beyond Friday. The bill passed in the House on a voice vote Monday and was approved in the Senate today on a 89-4 vote. It now goes to President Obama to be signed into law.

“This is a landmark day in Southern California aviation,” said Alan D. Wapner, OIAA President and Ontario City Council Member. “We are grateful for the tremendous bipartisan support this legislation received from throughout the Southland. It completes the funding plan for the transfer of ONT from Los Angeles World Airports to the OIAA, which we continue to expect will be completed in the second half of this calendar year.

The OIAA and the City of Ontario and are deeply grateful to Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Ken Calvert for leading the congressional charge in restoring local control of Ontario International Airport. Their leadership was absolutely critical in securing legislative language in the aviation bill that facilitates the transfer of Ontario International Airport. We also want to thank Reps. Norma Torres and Grace Napolitano and the entire Inland Empire congressional delegation for their tireless efforts and support. Today we celebrate a great victory for the Inland Empire, for our regional economy and for aviation interests in Southern California.”

The legislation allows future passenger facility charges (PFCs) collected at ONT to be used at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as repayment for PFCs previously collected at LAX and used at ONT.

As one of the last steps before the airport transfer, the OIAA has already begun arrangements for issuance of bonds backed by airport revenues to replace existing airport debt of approximately $56 million.

The FAA continues to work closely with the OIAA and LAWA to provide a seamless transition of airport sponsors from LAWA to the OIAA. The FAA will issue a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate to the OIAA concurrent with the transfer.