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Airport Redevelopment Act Would Aid Job Growth

July 24, 2020

It's taken a while but Banning is now in a position to redevelop land that once housed the Municipal Banning Municipal Airport to grow local businesses.

In 2016, the city of Banning commissioned a Feasibility Study to analyze the future of the Banning Municipal Airport and determine the best use of the property. The study found that the airport had a 71% reduction in traffic from 2010 to 2015, drastically reducing revenues and creating a financial burden for the city.

The study found that the airport property is ideally suited for logistics, e-commerce, and light manufacturing industries.

The Banning City Council passed a resolution in 2017 stating its desire and intent to close the airport.

Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., has introduced H.R. 7729, the Banning Airport Redevelopment Act. The bill would release the Banning Municipal Airport from its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) obligations, allowing the city to repurpose the land. The Banning Airport Redevelopment Act would free up more than 150 acres of land ideally situation for development of logistics, e-commerce, and light manufacturing industries.

"My legislation will complement the city's efforts to grow local businesses, create local jobs, and bring new industries to the Pass Area," Ruiz said in a prepared statement. "I am proud to support the City of Banning to repurpose the airport property and bring new jobs to the region."

"The city of Banning strongly supports the closure and redevelopment of the Banning Municipal Airport," said Banning Mayor Daniela Andrade. "As the City Council continues to look out for the best interest of our taxpayers, we are committed to the closure and redevelopment of the airport property, which will free up this strategic land along I-10 to drive economic development and reduce the burden on the City's budget. The City appreciates Congressman Ruiz's support in introducing this legislation and we look forward to working with him as repurpose the Banning Municipal Airport for uses that will lead to job creation in our region."

On behalf of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, I want to thank Dr. Ruiz for his continued support for the tribe, the City of Banning, and all of his constituents in western Riverside County, Tribal Chairman Robert Martin said.

"Redevelopment of the Banning Municipal Airport will create new jobs and economic opportunity in our region and improve safety along the I-10 corridor. We are pleased to support this legislation in partnership with the city of Banning."