Airport Administration and Funding

Introduction

The Department of Public Works’ Aviation Division is primarily responsible for operating, developing, and maintaining the five LA County airports in a safe, secure, and compatible manner, while ensuring that the airports remain financially self-sustaining and in full compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and grant assurances.

The Aviation Division is responsible for two funds: its Aviation Enterprise Fund and its Capital Projects Fund.

• The Aviation Enterprise Fund serves the purpose of financing the planning, operation, repair, maintenance, and development of the LA County airports. The fund’s primary revenue sources are hangar and tiedown rents, lease revenue, airport fees, and fuel sales.
• The Capital Projects Fund provides for various capital improvement projects, including major pavement maintenance and repair or upgrades, airport perimeter fencing, or new navigational aids, among others. These projects are primarily funded by Federal Aviation Administration grants, State of California Department of Transportation grants and loans, and Operating Transfer-In from the Aviation Enterprise Fund.

All expenses incurred by the Aviation Division, including matching funds for eligible capital improvement projects, are paid from these funds. All revenues generated at the airports are reinvested back into each airport or the County’s system of airports. The Aviation Division does not draw any funds from the County’s General Fund and, therefore, relies heavily on Federal and State airport improvement program grant money to maintain and expand facilities at the County-owned airports. Projects related to maintaining and expanding facilities and infrastructure at the County-owned airports that are not eligible for Federal or State funding are paid for entirely out of the Aviation Enterprise Fund.

A 10-member Aviation Commission, which is made up of two representatives from each supervisorial district and appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, serves to advise the County Board of Supervisors on the operation and development of the County’s five airports. Commission meetings are held monthly, except for July and December, and take place at the various County airports. Meetings offer an opportunity to learn about the ongoing projects and activities at the airports and a forum for providing public comment.

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