POINT MUGU : Panel Calls Joint Use of Airfield Feasible

A proposal to develop joint military and civilian use of the airfield at the Point Mugu Naval Air Weapons Station is technically feasible, a committee declared Thursday.

Meeting in Camarillo, the Point Mugu Airfield Joint Use Investigative Committee voted 4 to 3 to adopt the findings of a report issued by the Southern California Assn. of Governments, which found that the Navy facility could be developed as a regional airport.

“The time has come that we, as a body, make a recommendation that this proposal is indeed feasible,” said Ventura County Supervisor John K. Flynn, a committee member. “The Navy and the Department of Defense must be looking for some sort of signal on this proposal. I believe that it is time to give them one.”

County Supervisors Maria VanderKolk and Maggie Kildee joined Camarillo City Councilwoman Charlotte Craven in opposing the plan.

Opponents have argued that a regional airport would increase noise and air pollution--especially over Camarillo--and say it is too soon to deem the project feasible. “I felt that it is too premature to have taken this action,” Craven said. “There is still so much that we don’t know about this project.”

The proposal now rests with the County Board of Supervisors. It is expected to decide whether to vote on joining a joint powers authority, a governmental entity that would run the proposed airport. Its vote to join the authority would activate the body. A date for the decision has not been set.

SCAG officials said a second and last phase of the feasibility study, which will encompass airline interest, land use and environmental impact, will be prepared by late December or early January.

The committee will meet again at 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at Camarillo City Hall, 601 Carmen Drive.