For Immediate Release

Contact:
Scott Alevy
Vice President, Public Policy & Communications
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
(619) 544-1360

February 28, 2008


The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met on Thursday, February 28, and took an official position on the San Diego International Airport Master Plan, and endorsed the 2008 Chamber Housing Action Plan (CHAP).

The Board unanimously voted to pass a motion to support the Mayor on accelerated airport planning and to encourage all government agencies to participate in the process of maximizing San Diego International Airport's capacity. It also urges the completion of the visioning/planning process within 9-12 months, with concurrent, immediate planning of the Phase 1, ten gate, development project. It supports the concept and study of a world-class intermodal transportation center (ITC) on the north side of the airport, maximizing the use of technology in its development, as well as the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed and agreed to by the Mayor of San Diego, the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), to participate cooperatively in the planning and implementation process moving forward.

The Board also voted to support the 2008 CHAP, which includes recommendations to create an infrastructure bond, establish a "Housing Director or Advocate" position, update community plans, create a new redevelopment authority, establish a permanent housing fund and more. The plan also supports pursuing the maximum amount of funding available for the variety of housing types and infrastructure created by Proposition 1C, new parking requirements for residential and community projects, and the creation of a public awareness campaign with the support of elected officials.

Founded in 1870, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization with the goal of promoting the business interests of its more than 3,000 member companies, while increasing the international region's prosperity.