LAWA worked in partnership with the LAX Coalition for Economic, Environmental and Educational Justice (LAX Coalition) to develop a program to ensure that communities impacted by the LAX Master Plan Program also receive benefits as a result of the implementation of the Program.

The LAX Coalition LAX Coalition, which includes community groups, environmental organizations and labor unions, had expressed legal and policy concerns regarding the proposal LAX Master Plan Program. LAWA and the LAX Coalition agreed that it was in their mutual interest to resolve the concerns of the Coalition through cooperation and settlement, rather than through litigation. Over a period of 10 months, LAWA and the Coalition met regularly to resolve these concerns and negotiate a community benefits agreement.

The community benefits agreement is comprised of several documents.

1. Cooperation Agreement.  The Cooperation Agreement sets out the legal framework of the Agreement, including conditions, commitments, obligations, enforcement, etc.,
   
   
2. Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).    The CBA details the various proposals of mitigation and benefit, and is an attachment to the Cooperation Agreement. The various proposals include:

Noise Mitigation

• Increased funding for Airport Noise Mitigation Program
• End-of-Block Soundproofing
• Suspension of Avigation Easement
• FAR Part 161 Study for Limitations on Nighttime Departures

Economic Development Benefits

• Job Training Program
• Work Experience Programs
• First Source Hiring Program
• Small Business Attraction and Retention Program
• Application of City Living Wage and Worker Retention Ordinances

Community Environmental/Health Studies

• LAX Air Quality and Source Apportionment Study
• Health Study of Upper Respiratory System and Hearing Loss Impacts
• Environmental Justice Community-Based Research Studies

Air Quality/Emission Reductions and Control

• Electrification of Passenger Gates
• Electrification of Cargo Operations Areas
• Electrification of Hangars
• Emission Reductions from Ground Service Equipment
• Emission Reductions from On-Road Trucks, Buses and Shuttles
• Conversion of On-site Trucks, Shuttles and Buses to Alternative Fuel
• Limits on Diesel Idling
• Assessment and Mitigation of Particulate Matter
• Provision of Alternative Fuel
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Infrastructure at LAX

Environmental Mitigations/Commitments for Construction

• Construction-related Diesel Emission Reduction Requirements
• Rock Crushing Operations/Materials Stockpiles Away from Residential Areas
• Application of Green Building Principles
• Diversion of Construction Traffic from Residential Streets

3. Settlement Agreement with Inglewood Unified School District.   This Agreement includes the conditions, commitments, obligations, enforcement, etc., of both LAWA and the Inglewood Unified School District in the provision of the following:

   LAWA Funding of Certain District Mitigation Measures. LAWA will fund certain mitigation measures for the Inglewood Unified School District not to exceed $118,500,000 for noise abatement. Mitigation measures include replacement of HVAC equipment with pollution abatement, double-paned windows and/or sound reduction windows and doors, roofing upgrades, replacement of relocatable classrooms, and temporary housing during construction.

   Security-Related Items. LAWA will assist the Inglewood Unified School District in the coordination and dissemination of appropriate information related to emergency preparedness and response of local law enforcement agencies, emergency response groups and the local communities in the event of an airport-related emergency.

   Community Programs. LAWA will work collaboratively with the Inglewood Unified School District to support a variety of community programs, such as job training and academic programs.

4. Settlement Agreement with Lennox School District.   Likewise, this Agreement includes the conditions, commitments, obligations, enforcement, etc., of both LAWA and the Lennox School District in the provision of the following:

   LAWA Funding of Certain District Mitigation Measures. LAWA will fund certain mitigation measures for the Lennox School District not to exceed $111,000,000 for noise abatement. Mitigation measures include replacement of HVAC equipment with pollution abatement, double-paned windows and/or sound reduction windows and doors, roofing upgrades, replacement of relocatable classrooms, and temporary housing during construction.

   Security-Related Items. LAWA will assist the Lennox School District in the coordination and dissemination of appropriate information related to emergency preparedness and response of local law enforcement agencies, emergency response groups and the local communities in the event of an airport-related emergency.

   Community Programs. LAWA will work collaboratively with the Lennox School District to support a variety of community programs, such as job training and academic programs.

   The execution of the specified elements of the Agreements is tied to final City Council and FAA approval of the LAX Master Plan Program. As described in each Agreement, LAWA's obligations are conditioned upon FAA approval of these expenditures and use of airport revenues for these specific purposes. Under no circumstance will any of LAWA's obligations under these Agreements require any expenditure from the City's General Fund or any other City-Controlled source of funds.

   The combined value of these community benefits agreements is approximately $500 million.

   LAWA commits to taking all action required by the Agreements and will not take any action regarding the LAX Master Plan Program that conflicts with the terms of the Agreements.

   With these Agreements, LAWA confirms its partnership and commitment to the community and ensures continued dialogue and community participation throughout the implementation of the LAX Master Plan Program.