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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday instructed staff to develop a comprehensive plan to clean, maintain and bolster security of the Sherman Way Tunnel in the San Fernando Valley.
The plan is intended to address ongoing issues of the underpass, which connects Van Nuys Airport to Saticoy and Vanowen Streets. The tunnel was built in 1959 to prevent the closure of Sherman Way, which had to be routed under the runway at the airport.
In a 14-0 vote, council members instructed the Bureau of Street Services, Los Angeles World Airports and other city departments to develop the plan. Staff members will also work with and collect input from Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, who represents the 6th District, including the area around the tunnel, as well as the Van Nuys Airport Association, a group of concerned citizens who live around the airport.
The City Administrative Officer will be tasked with identifying potential funding sources to implement the plan. Additionally, staff will determine whether federal funding or revenue generated by the airport can be used to maintain the tunnel.
Councilman Curren Price was absent during the vote.
Padilla introduced the motion in March, seconded by her colleague, Eunisses Hernandez. According to her motion, the tunnel presents "unique security risks" and is a challenge for departments to consistently clean because it can require multiple lane closures and take several evenings to complete.
A community group known as Southern California San Fernando Valley said in a statement issued May 22 that residents who live near the airport have complained for years about the conditions of the tunnel.
Residents have previously urged Los Angeles World Airports, the city department that oversees LAX and VNA, to use revenue generated by the facilities to maintain the tunnel. The department has refused to do so, citing the Federal Aviation Administration's position that it would constitute "misappropriation of funds." However, the residents group insists it's allowed under rules established by the City Charter.