The San Diego Regional Airport Authority has voted to put joint use of Miramar Air Station on the November ballot as the best bet for a new international airport. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
After five hours of public testimony and discussion, the board voted seven to two to make Miramar the subject of a public vote this fall. The ballot measure will ask San Diegans to ask their elected officials to make every effort to persuade congress and the military to make a part of Miramar available for a commercial airport by the year 2020.
Airport Authority board chair Jo Craver says the decision is momentous for San Diego
Craver: "This is a very important process which will be one of the most important decisions that this body will make in the last 50 years."
Even the two board members who dissented agreed Miramar is the best location, but said San Diego should back off and wait till the military is ready to make the land available. The board majority argued for the more proactive approach. Military leaders in San Diego insist joint use is not feasible. Alison St John, KPBS News.