CITY OF ONTARIO APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF FEDERAL LEGISLATION BOOSTING THE RETURN OF ONT TO LOCAL CONTROL

The City of Ontario declared that the Senate’s approval of legislation that expedites the transfer of Ontario International Airport (ONT) affirms the city’s diligent efforts to pursue return of the Inland Empire’s No. 1 economic engine to local control. The City commended and thanked the U.S. House and Senate for passing the legislation and sending it to President Obama who is expected to sign it into law within days.

The enabling federal legislation was led in the House by Rep. Calvert (R-CA42), and backed by Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA31) Paul Cook (R-CA8), Grace Napolitano (D-CA32), Raul Ruiz (D-CA36), Mark Takano (D-CA41), Norma Torres (D-CA35) and Ed Royce (R-CA39), and spearheaded in the Senate by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA).

“This is a momentous occasion in the 125-year history of Ontario,” said Mayor Paul S. Leon. “The long-awaited transfer of ONT from Los Angeles World Airports to the new Ontario International Airport Authority is at hand.”

Added Mayor pro Tem Debra Dorst-Porada, “When the Ontario City Council determined that the success of ONT required that local control be restored, we set out to build a broad coalition that has delivered the desired outcome. Other airports in the region are nearing their practical capacity. ONT soon will be able to step up to meet the region’s long-term demand for air travel by passengers and shippers.”

Ontario city officials expect the transfer of the airport from Los Angeles World Airports to the Ontario International Airport Authority will be completed upon final approval by the Federal Aviation Administration in the second half of this year.