The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today dedicated a new, state-of-the-art fire station at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) funded by nearly $11 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“This project is an example of how the Recovery Act has not only stimulated the economy but also funded a critical safety improvement at one of the world’s busiest airports,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “The new fire station will help ensure the safety of all passengers at LAX for years to come.”
At 27,500 square feet, the new station is twice as big as the old facility, which was built in 1985. The new station better accommodates the size, volume and nature of today’s emergency response equipment. It has seven bays to house and maintain fire rescue vehicles and also provides living, training and administration areas for 14 firefighters.
“As a former airline pilot, I know very well how important it is for airports to have the best possible emergency response,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said. “That’s exactly what this new station provides for LAX.”
The new station is located on the airfield midway between the north and south runway complexes. Construction on the station began in the summer of 2009 and was completed in October 2010. Firefighters moved into the station this month.
Nationwide, $1.3 billion in Recovery Act money has been made available for both airport improvement projects and air traffic control facility and system upgrades. These Recovery Act grants have been distributed to airports that serve commercial passengers, cargo and general aviation.
