Long Beach City Presents Results of Feasibility Study for Federal Customs Facility

The City of Long Beach has presented the long-awaited results to the public of a feasibility study on a federal customs facility at Long Beach Airport (LGB). The study was presented at the Airport Advisory Commission (AAC) and Economic Development Commission (EDC) meetings last month. The city commissioned the study to Jacobs Engineering (Jacobs) as a step towards potentially allowing international flights at the airport. JetBlue Airways submitted a request to bring international service to Long Beach, and the City Council authorized moving forward with the study in July, 2015. The Jacobs study as well as meeting transcripts may be found here.

The Jacobs study has provided Long Beach city with vital information to keep the best interest for our local communities. The study also shows the benefits to be derived to justify the Federal Government expense, as required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

On January 19, 2016, the City of Long Beach commissioned Jacobs to conduct the study. The study was commissioned after a Request for Qualifications was issued and two community meetings were held to gather feedback from the public. Specifically, the analysis surveyed the airport, airport tenants, government agencies, airport-dependent businesses and aircraft owners for economic data, and analyzed passenger traffic-related spending.

A separate analysis conducted by the Long Beach City Attorney’s Office examining possible effects to Long Beach’s Noise Compatibility Ordinance (LBMC 16.43) was also released with the Jacobs study.

The topic will be presented to the City Council at their December 13 meeting.