Ontario International Airport Officially Back Under Local Control

ONTARIO (CBSLA.com) — The city of Ontario formally re-assumed control of Ontario International Airport from Los Angeles Tuesday.

The airport's transfer was finalized with the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of an airport operating certificate and the Ontario International Airport Authority's coverage of $55.5 million in Los Angeles' outstanding bonds.

The transfer process began last year after a settlement with the city of Los Angeles was reached in which Ontario agreed to pay about $190 million and assume all of its outstanding debts to take ownership of the airport.

Ontario officials who wanted local control have said that under L.A. stewardship, the Inland Empire-based airport frequently played second fiddle to LAX.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) signed an agreement with the city of Ontario in 1967, making Ontario International Airport part of the L.A. regional airport system.

Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner called the transfer "historic." He said the local airport agency is "honored and proud to assume control and operation of ONT on behalf of the coalition of counties and cities that supported local control for ONT over a number of years.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was supportive of the transfer from the beginning of his term "because nothing is more important than doing what's right for the travelers, workers and neighborhood residents who want improved air travel, better connectivity and local oversight."

"I'm pleased by the cooperation and partnership that brought us to this day and proud to celebrate this incredible milestone," he said.