Congratulations to Supervisor Manuel Perez for initiating the process that would establish international air transportation operations at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal. This major infrastructure project will be essential to accommodate future population growth, job creation, economic growth and export agriculture products in eastern Riverside County.
In addition it will facilitate visitor access to a restored Salton Sea, nearby concerts, and other outdoor amenities in the Coachella Valley. The airport site has an ideal location being adjacent to a major arterial highway to Mexico facilitating growth in the logistics industries.
Historically we have this site with two major runways (8500 and 5000 feet) that can accommodate large commercial jets, thanks to the US Government.
In 1942 it was built as a support base as part of the Desert Training Center under the command of General George Patton preparing troops for the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch). The county assumed control of the site in December ’48. Presently there are approximately 200 aircraft flights per day primarily general aviation.
Again, a great initiative in planning. Now supervisors must land plan responsibly to avoid future disputes by not permitting residential neighborhoods adjacent to or under airplane flight patterns.
Bruce Nestande, La Quinta
http://www.desertsun.com/opinion
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