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Airport Workers To Challenge LAX's Runway Expansion Plan

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles International Airport workers represented by SEIU United Service Workers West Thursday are expected to file a California Environmental Quality Act challenge to the airport's runway expansion plan.

The lawsuit names Los Angeles World Airports, the city of Los Angeles and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as defendants, alleging LAWA and city officials failed to conduct the necessary analysis required to assess the project's environmental impact.

The Los Angeles City Council approved the $4.76 billion project, which is intended to upgrade the airport's layout to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, on April 30.

"We are left with no choice but to file this challenge because we feel the people running LAX have failed time and again to listen to the voices of airport communities and workers," SEIU USWW member Robin Wilson said in a statement. "LAX workers are among those most affected by the airport. Many of us live in neighborhoods impacted by the traffic congestion, noise and air pollution caused by airport operations. We breathe this air day in and day out and so do our families. Unaccountable leadership at LAX hurts us both on the job and at home."

San Bernardino County, Culver City and the Alliance for the Regional Solution to Airport Congestion are also challenging the expansion in separate lawsuits.

"It will cause major environmental and financial chaos for workers, neighbors and the region as a whole," Denny Schneider of ARSAC said.

The complaint is expected to be filed Thursday afternoon.

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