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Bob Hope Airport Is A Major Asset To The Economic Growth In LA

Located within the 'media capital of the world,' Bob Hope Airport in Burbank serves the northern chunk of greater Los Angeles, which includes Glendale, Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley. It is an airfield that does more than transport travelers to and from their destinations. Established in 1930, the airport has grown to become a significant contributor to metro L.A.'s economy.

According to a recent study, conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the airport generated some 12,440 jobs during its 2013 fiscal year, with a total economic impact of $1.8 billion. The bustling facility also revved up $663 million in labor income, which benefited not only employees, but a wide variety of industry sectors within its expanding supply chain.

Of the 11,710 workers hired in the field of operations, nearly one-third of the gainfully employed laborers were placed in transportation and warehouse divisions. Another 28 percent of the workforce picked up jobs in food and accommodation services. The remaining 730 available positions went to construction workers that were needed to build the airport's spanking new $112 million Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC). This enormous project is the largest capital endeavor in the airport's history.

When the complex opened in June of 2014, Bob Hope Airport became the first airfield in the area with a direct-rail connection to downtown Los Angeles. RITC houses a new bus transit station and rental car amenities. It is connected to a passenger terminal by way of an elevated walkway. Transit authorities have also announced plans to build a pedestrian bridge that will connect RITC to an existing Metrolink station.

Much like its namesake, Bob Hope Airport is praised for its expert timing and sensitivity to the needs of many. On September 15, the airport became the first in the nation to offer TSA-approved footwear to passengers that are waiting for their shoes to clear security checkpoint screenings. The non-skid booties are designed by California-based BLT Innovations. Now, quite a few of the airport's four million annual passengers will be able to keep their tootsies covered, while helping to support a woman-owned enterprise.

Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.

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