LOS ANGELES—The manager of Van Nuys Airport says facility officials are committed to working with the city on efforts to clean up graffiti, perform maintenance, and bolster security for Sherman Way Tunnel in the San Fernando Valley. However, questions remain whether the airport is able to contribute funds to the project.
The city council on Wednesday, June 5, instructed its staff to develop a comprehensive plan for maintenance of the tunnel, which connects Van Nuys Airport to Saticoy and Vanowen streets. The tunnel was built in 1959 to prevent the closure of Sherman Way, which had to be routed under the runway at the airport.
In a 14–0 vote Wednesday, council members instructed the Bureau of Street Services, Los Angeles World Airports, and other city departments to develop the plan. Staff members will also work with and collect input from Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, who represents the 6th District, including the area around the tunnel, as well as the Van Nuys Airport Association, a group of aviation and non-aviation tenants at the airfield.
Paul Herrera, Van Nuys Airport manager, issued a statement saying airport officials “are committed to working with Councilwoman Ms. Padilla’s office to further explore this issue as well as find ways in which we can collectively bring wins to the local community within the scope of how we are allowed to use our funds.”
The city administrative officer will be tasked with identifying potential funding sources to implement the plan. Additionally, staff will determine whether federal funding or revenue generated by the airport can be used to maintain the tunnel.
Ms. Padilla introduced the motion in March, seconded by her colleague, Eunisses Hernandez. According to her motion, the tunnel presents “unique security risks” and is a challenge for departments to consistently clean because it can require multiple lane closures and take several evenings to complete.
A community group known as Southern California San Fernando Valley said in a statement issued May 22 that residents who live near the airport have complained for years about the conditions of the tunnel.
Residents have previously urged Los Angeles World Airports, the city department that oversees LAX and VNY, to use revenue generated by the facilities to maintain the tunnel. The department has refused to do so, citing the Federal Aviation Administration’s position that it would constitute “misappropriation of funds.” However, the residents group insists it’s allowed under rules established by the city charter.
“All airports, including Van Nuys Airport, are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and have rules regarding how and where funds can be spent, as well as strict policies regarding the diversion of funds,” Mr. Herrera said in his statement. “Based on previous conversations with the FAA, we don’t believe we can use airport funds for the Sherman Way tunnel.”
