IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orange County Business Council (OCBC) released the following statement today in response to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) President and Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan Wapner's announcement to transfer ownership of the Ontario International Airport (ONT) back to the City of Ontario:
"OCBC fully supports this deal as its significance reaches beyond the borders of both LA and Ontario to the entire Southern California region. Southern California relies on a comprehensive and fully-functioning mobility system to accommodate a growing economy and traveling needs of residents and visitors," said Lucy Dunn, OCBC president and CEO, and OIAA Orange County representative. "Transferring ONT back to local control in order to maximize the asset value and achieve local accountability for operations is consistent with both cities' goals for regionalization of airport traffic and reduced greenhouse gas emissions—both important economic and environmental benefits."
Dunn has served on OIAA since 2012, advocating for local control of the airport as an integral component to Southern California's regional infrastructure. Over the last few years under the ownership of Los Angeles World Airports, ONT has seen major revenue loss and declines in passenger traffic. Thus, OIAA formed as a regional partnership to negotiate the transfer of the airport back to the City of Ontario in order to revitalize under local control. The location of ONT within the inland empire, one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S., allows for more people to travel to and from the region, more businesses to export goods, and thus, increased economic output for Southern California.
"As a hub of innovation and a world-class tourist destination our businesses rely on infrastructure that allows for international connectivity. Therefore, success of all airports, including LAX and John Wayne, is critical to Southern California's economic competitiveness." Dunn said. "We look forward to continuing the progress made to restore ONT— it is a critical asset to the region's future prosperity as a global leader."
About OCBC:
Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County's economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America's sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org.