A regional airport in western Ventura County would be a boon to business and the local economy. A feasibility study conducted for the Southern California Assn. of Governments (SCAG) indicated that the demand for air services would support an airport about the size of the Palm Springs airport.
There is a need for direct passenger service to cities other than Los Angeles. The largest single source of employment in Ventura County is the Navy. Its bases at Port Hueneme and Point Mugu depend on civilian contractors located throughout the United States. These contractors, who have been hampered in their commute by infrequent and irregular service, are one example of existing business need.
Literally hundreds of Ventura County businesses send salespeople, technicians, executives and other employees out of Southern California or out of the state every month. Still other businesses depend on visits from out-of-town and out-of-state customers, consultants and vendors.
Most of us have experienced the drive to Los Angeles International Airport. We have felt the pressure of worrying about traffic jams, whether Pacific Coast Highway is even open and of airport parking. Based on this experience, it is easy to understand the benefit a regional airport would confer on businesses that rely on frequent air travelers.
Increased convenience to current commuters is only a small part of the benefit the local economy would enjoy. The largest boon would be in new opportunities.
Recently, a company with a West Coast processing and distribution facility in Ventura County planned to establish a national training center at one of its facilities in Southern California. The company decided to locate it near Ontario rather than in Ventura County. The reason was proximity to services provided by Ontario International Airport. With a Ventura County regional airport, we would be able to compete for this type of opportunity.
Business-related tourism would increase as a result of a regional airport. Ventura County would be able to compete for conventions that require air accessibility. An area without air service is simply not considered by many convention planners who must move hundreds or thousands of people to and from a site for a relatively short period of time.
An airport in Ventura County would remove this barrier to hosting conventions here. Hotels, restaurants and transportation providers would be the first beneficiaries. Businesses that provide supplies and services would benefit next. This ripple effect would spread benefits to much of the economy.
