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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-09 - AGENDA REPORTS - NATIONAL HWY NRR (2)1 � s City anager Approval Item to be presented by: Michael P. Murphy QPM UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: May 9, 1995 SUBJECT: National Highway System: Newhall Ranch Road DEPARTMENT: Management Services In 1991, Congress and the President approved the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). This comprehensive highway and transit legislation provided the basic federal authorization for a six year period. Contained within ISTEA is a provision requiring the adoption of a National Highway System (NHS) by September 30, 1995. The National Highway System is the successor to the Interstate System program which is drawing to closure. NHS will include those roads of sufficient national interest to warrant receipt of federal resources. "Sufficient national interest" is broadly defined in recognition of state and local needs. Eligible projects will typically focus on employment centers, economic development, regional circulation, or unique local circumstances; for example, circulation issues identified after disasters such as the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Representative Howard P. "Buck" McKeon believes that NHS funding may provide an opportunity for the City of Santa Clarita and County of Los Angeles to receive resources for unfunded portions of a cross-town parkway, thereby addressing some long term transportation needs. Mr. McKeon affirms that if NHS funding is not pursued at this time, there may not be another funding opportunity for several years. The Newhall Ranch Road corridor between Interstate 5 and Bouquet Canyon Road appears to meet eligibility for NHS inclusion. Nothing east of Bouquet Canyon Road is under discussion. The Citizens' Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) has 173 nn efol a In]: identified Newhall Ranch Road between Interstate 5 and Bouquet Canyon Road as a segment which should be included in the overall community network of roads. Furthermore, CTAC recommends that the roads be limited to maximum augmented 6 -lane arterials similar in configuration to McBean Parkway. Finally, CTAC advises limiting truck traffic on these arterials. The CTAC recommended circulation system map is attached. Newhall Ranch Road traverses both incorporated and unincorporated areas and is identified in the City's General Plan. Representative McKeon requests that the City Council advise him regarding whether he should pursue inclusion of the Newhall Ranch Road corridor in the 1995 NHS authorization bill. Staff understands that a similar request will be made of the County of Los Angeles. As the National Highway System process is highly competitive, it is not possible at this time to determine the actual amount of federal funding, if any, which might ultimately be received. The Council would simply be requesting that Representative McKeon pursue inclusion of the Newhall Ranch Road corridor in the 1995 NHS authorization bill which would make it eligible for an appropriation measure at a yet -to -be - determined future date. The process of receiving federal funds for this road corridor is multi -step. Upon receiving a formal request from the City Council that he seek the corridor's inclusion in the NHS authorization bill, Representative McKeon will attempt to position the project competitively with other similar nationwide submissions. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Surface Transportation Subcommittee will be meeting later this month to determine specific NHS road NHS inclusion. As part of the overall view of funding opportunities associated with this corridor project, it should be noted that the Newhall Land and Farming Company is conditioned, or expected to be conditioned, as part of its present and future development to provide improvements to portions of Newhall Ranch Road. A list of the conditions and a map are attached. Representative McKeon will also be requesting authorization for interchange projects along Interstate 5 at State Route 126 (Castaic Junction), Magic Mountain Parkway and Valencia Boulevard. As these projects are on an federal Interstate highway, they already meet initial NHS eligibility criteria. The three interchange projects carry an estimated cumulative cost of $40.6 million. The road project between Interstate 5 and Bouquet Canyon is estimated at $22.8 million. Request that Representative McKeon request inclusion of the Newhall Ranch Road corridor between Interstate 5 and Bouquet Canyon Road in the 1995 National Highway System legislation. Request that Representative McKeon also seek authorization of interchange projects along Interstate 5 at State Route 126 (Castaic Junction), Magic Mountain Parkway and Valencia Boulevard. ATTACHMENTS Newhall Ranch Road Corridor Map Newhall Ranch Road Project Conditions of Approval CTAC Central Circulation System Map Recommendation MPM.hpmnhsew PROJECT CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF NEWHALL RANCH ROAD BETWEEN INTERSTATE 5 AND BOUQUET CANYON ROAD The following is a list of approved or pending maps which have been conditioned (or are expected to be conditioned) to make improvements to Newhall Ranch Road between Interstate 5 and McBean Parkway. Newhall Land and Farming Co. is the applicant for each of these proposals. ■ TPM 13218 (Valencia Industrial Center) is bonded to construct Newhall Ranch Road (two lanes only) from I-5 to Ford Court (approximately 3,000'), (See Segment 1, Exhibit A.) Note:. There are not any proposals conditioned to improve Segment 2 of Newhall Ranch Road at this time. ■ TPM 20175 (Valencia Industrial Center in the vicinity of Valencia High School) is conditioned to grade Newhall Ranch Road (six lanes) from Rye Canyon Road to Avenue Tibbetts (Segment 3, Exhibit A) and to construct four lanes from Rye Canyon Road to McBean Parkway(Segment 4, Exhibit A). This includes construction of a six -lane bridge at San Francisquito Creek, which is scheduled to begin this year. ■ TTM 51931 (south of Newhall Ranch Road, both east and west of McBean Parkway) is currently pending with the County of Los Angeles. It is anticipated that the map will be conditioned for the widening of Newhall Ranch Road (four lanes to six lanes) from San Francisquito Creek to Bouquet Creek (Segments 5 and 6, Exhibit A). ■ TTM 44832 (south of Newhall Ranch Road, between the MWD easement and Bouquet Creek) has received tentative approval from the County of Los Angeles. The map is conditioned to improve Newhall Ranch Road (four lanes to six lanes) within the project boundaries (Segment 6, Exhibit A). The proposed Valencia Bridge and Thoroughfare District includes the construction of Newhall Ranch Road (six lanes) from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road. Furthermore, Newhall Land and Farming Co. has reserved a total of 180' for the anticipated ultimate right-of-way from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road. Construction of this major arterial could be found to be consistent with the City's General Plan. Construction of the arterial could also be found to be consistent with the following General Plan Circulation Element Goals: Goal 1: "To provide a circulation system to move people and goods safely and efficiently throughout the City of Santa Clarita and the general planning area;" and Goal 2: "Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in advocating a regional transportation system." GAC:FLF/KMK:lep muncilmrenruL.kmk i t a' t e !!`_ O O VALENCIA Leflend 10 126 North County Bypass Other Future Roadways: 2 Maglc Mountaln Exienslon 3 Newhall Ranch Road Extension 4 Vla Princessa 5 Proposed Santa Clarity Parkway 6 Golden Valley rrr SANTA CLARIT \� NEWHALL i CANYON COUNTRY AO'r KTA CITY OF SANTA CLARITA A PROPOSED EAST/WEST CORRIDOR & CENTRAL CIRCULATION SYSTEM American Red Cross RECE" J__ .. PART Of TFc PLC 3W A MEETING ITEM NO. Los Angeles Chapter 2700 Wilshire Boulevard P.O. Box 57930 Los Angeles, California 90057 (213) 739-5200 May 4, 1995 MAY - 8 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: We are writing to express our support for your efforts to obtain federal funding for the east -west parkway and related interchanges connecting Interstate 5 and Highway 14. The route has been designated as the existing Newhall Ranch Road alignment from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road with the remainder of the route under study by the City of Santa Clarita. The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake demonstrated to us the critical need to have additional cross town roads in the Santa Clarita Valley. With the failure of Interstate 5 and State Route 14, valley circulation was at a gridlock. Because of the fact that so many critical services are located in the western portion of town, including the sheriff's station, hospital, and other utilities, it is especially important that we have a safe and reliable route between these two main highways. Disaster response needs necessitates this parkway. Thank you for your efforts to obtain funding so that we can realize this community's long-term commitment to a cross town parkway. '�% Partner in the Annual United Way Campaign Haigwood xecutive Officer PACIFIC 7 BELL. Uj 100 N. Stoneman Rm 200 Alhambra, Califomia 91Sol April 18, 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: We are pleased to support your effort to obtain federal funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with the related interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road using existing Newhall Ranch Road: The rest of the route is being identified through the City's Circulation Plan. As you know, there are over 14,000 employees in the Valencia Industrial Center and more than 500 companies. Many of the employees come from the eastern portions of town and an east - west route would greatly facilitate the safe passage of people into the major employment areas. Also on the west side of town are important services such as the hospital, library, sheriffs station, regional shopping center, city hall and county government center. We appreciate your support of this critically needed route. Sincerely, /" �Q Paula E. Olivares Key Contact Manager California Instltota of the Arts I APR 2 �y9J 24700 M48ean Pahw2y • J' }t. - Santa Clarita California - 91355-2397 Arts Office of the President te1805 255.1050 y. fax 805 2S4-8352 APR 18 l: ": April 10, 1995 The Honorable Howard 'Buck" McKeon 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Buck, I understand that the House of Representatives will consider legislation to designate a National Highway System sometime this spring. I also understand the California State Route 126 and Interstate 5 have been proposed for inclusion in the National Highway System by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 1 support legislation to fund infrastructure improvements for the two freeway interchanges involving Interstate 5 and Route 126. In addition, it is our belief that the Santa Clarita City Council is in the process of approving an alignment for a four -mile arterial road between the 1-5/CA 126 Interchange in Castaic Junction and Bouquet Canyon Road. I believe this road is vital to meet existing transportation needs in the Santa Clarita Valley, and support your efforts to obtain Federal funding for such a route. Sincerely yours, J Steven D. Lavine President SDL,rjsm APR -ll -1995 .1735 April 3, 1885 The United States House of Representatives 307 Canaan House Otkv Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeen: We are pleased to support your efforts to obtain federal funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with related Interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Carryon Road utilb dng the existing Newnan Ranch Road and the remainderof the route Is being identified through the City of Santa Clarita's Circulation Plan. In addition to Six Flags Callfomia Employees, there are over 14,000 individuals employed in the Valencia ktdustrisi Center at more than 500 companies. Many of these people travel from the eastern portions of town and an east -west route would greatly facilitate their safe passage into the major employment areas. important services Such 84 the hospital, library, sheriff's station. regional shopping center, City hail, and the county government cerrter are also located on the west side of town. We appreciate your support of this critically needed route. t7Hileb Fn am SM - %.&%x . rsuomea Braes . t SSir00 wT�Awr/drYp gyp^, O.MYt 1rM. rte• OYryt Ic 7t-11 -,I- f'.. 1a APR -11-1945 1?.M WR tat Tamen 11�- a Subdcllwy Ce Tel; m bw- Ap19 3.1995 Moo We" P" Cwt?m pose VAICnOL CA 41 ]561285 1105=9-4m FAX 9OS259-9622 Telex a5ww Recently, l received inforttfation rlegatohng ptans for the east -wrest connection acro a the Sarna Claeita Valley bsh wen tr1lerstete 5 and Highway 14. Completion of fts main artery. along with the Ctty's circulation plan, wdl have a Major Posite11O impact on safely. 00rr8estiorl, and cmv "me In the dty of Seta cww ta. As the largost employer in the Vaienda Industrial Cerner. marry of orr employees 6110 on the east side of the Valey in the Aston area and in high desert cath ides_ lilts tra-apertation pbm would improve the time and sa" of their r vmnn,re. as we9 as imprwhnp mcces: to rhe mvioes said buskw ses on the west We of town. We are pleased to hear of your efforts to obtain federal ftm OM for Cw plan, and wars you to krKm that we s&ongly support you an this issue - Bradley W. Spahr Prasidmft BWS:d � APR -07-1995 17.'17 P. MICHAEL FREFMAN FlRE CHIEF FORESTER d FIRE WARDEN March 30, 1995 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT 1320 NORTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90033-3294 (805) 254-9665 The Honorable Howard P. McKeon United States House of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205I5 Dear Congressman McKeon: This Depanrrtent is pleased to support your efforts to obtain federal funding for the easYwest parkway and related interchanges connecting Interstate 5 and State Route 14. The route has been designated as the existing Newhall Ranch Road alignment from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road with the remainder of the route under study by the City of Santa Clarita. The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake demonstrated to us the critical need to have additional cross-town roads in the Santa Clarita Valley. With the failure of interstate 5 and State Route 14, valley circulation was at a gridlock. The earthquake highlighted the need for additional access to ensure that public safety needs can be properly met. An cast/west parkway would definitely provide a measure of relief and is critical in m;nimumi traffic delays in future disasters. Without substantial enhancement to the existing roadway infrastructure, emergency response would be severely impacted during exigent circums*ar ces, We appreciate your support of this needed route. Sincerely yours, GARY K. N ISON, ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF DIVISION OPERATIONS BUREAU II GKN:ds SERVING THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND THE CITIES OF: $OURA WLLS ORAOMJRV CARSON ALOWIN PARK OAZpRrlg rU- CLMEMONT _LLRAWER COAMERL:E ELL LAAO" CUOANY oMLLLMO MR rRWINOALL OVAAM LA OANAOA MP LOGE FIAWAAAN wA0EH6 LM WOOo LA WRADA NIOOQN NLLLS LANCASTER fRRf11lCTON PARK LA PUCK. INOV3IRY lAW1mALE LA,ATA UA16U uArvr000 NpPMA K PA PRLOS ECIS WLEWCES ESTATES PARAMOUNT P,OO W VERA P WGHO PALOS VERGES AOLLWC. NILS ROLLM Hnt a ESTATES SAN 0 SANTA C ARITA WNAL MLL SOUTH R VADWE 9O GATE TEMR£ CTry WH YVE$T HOLL� W' ST yr LAGr yA T1EP APR -M-1995 17:17 William S. Hart Union High School District March 27, 1995 The Honorable Howard 'Buck' McKeon United States Hiouse of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: I am writing to express our support for your efforts to obtain federal funding for the east -west parkway and related interchanges connecting Interstate 5 and Highway 14. The route has been designated as the existing Newhall Ranch Road alignment from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road, with the remainder of the route under study by the City of Santa Clatita. The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake demonstrated the critical need to have additional cross-town roads in the Santa Clarity Valley. With the failure of Interstate 5 and Highway 14, valley circulation was at a gridlock. Because so many critical services are Iocated in the wes=n portion of the valley, including the sheriffs station, hospital and utilities, it is especially important that we have a safe and reliable route between these two main highways. On a continuing basis, dur school district transportation system encounters difficulty in transporting students to and from school in a timely manner. Congestion created by inclement weather and heavy traffic often hampers the safe and =liable trdasport of students. Thank you for your efforts to obtain funding so that we can realize this community's long-term commitment to a cross-town parkway. Sincerely, Dani Flanigan, Interim Superintendent DMHi:gct 21515 Pedview Drive. Sat= Oarim Calilomia 91350 805 259-00.33 FAX 805 254.6653 AP"7-1995 17 19 (.N Souttrem California Edison Company t3643 � / e CwNYON Row VALENCIA CAL�(A 01• CNPIHTNA ft�ev March 24, 1995 MlI.4/•e/•Gtw MAP. 30 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives istt tihoh" 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon. We are pleased to support your effort to obtain federal funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with the related Interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road utilizing the existing Newhall Ranch Road and the remainder of the route is being Identified through the City's Circulation Plan. As you know, there are over 14,000 employees in the Valencia Industrial Center and more than 500 companies Including the Edison Company. Many of the center's employees come from the east portions of town and an east -west route would greatly facilitate the safe passage of people into this major employment area. Additionally, this much needed route would allow Edison's personnel and equipment to respond to our customers' needs and emergency situations in a more timely manner. We appreciate your support of this critically needed route. Sincerely, ;. , TElErrgN6 I�G514si•eva� Ir�U M�-T1M APR -07-1945 17:20 UVDI UWaViold Devices, Inc. March 27, 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives Sol Cannon House Office Gviding Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: MAR to ft We are pleased to support your effort to obtain federal funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with the related Interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road utilizing the existing Newhall Ranch Road, -and the7remainder of the- route is- being identified through the City's Circulation Plan. As you know, there are over 14,000 -employees -in the -Valencia -industrial -Center, and - more than 500 companies_ Many of the employees come from the eastern portions of town, and an east -west route would greatly facilitate the safe passage of people into the major employment areas. Also, on the west side of town are important services such as the hospital, library, sheriffs station, regional shopping center, city hall and country government center. We appreciate your su000rt of this critically needed route. Sincerely, Daniel Goetz Director of Operations � W. AVENUE B A"toA , VALCT . � / lBp3q Z9F i4a / Fqx rna--] 29 ee0 TOTHL F. CI'_ APR --@7-1995 17-118 NINAk VALENCIA INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION P 0. Box 55592 • Valencia. CA 91385 officals: Connie wartren Ftooerts adv naTwaes, Y...n..,we n..owe� Barbara Dore ra vra n.ds.K Christina Smdey Sm. Caaa.:a tarm� aw Vc P� Dan Goetz uvor s� Jerilyn Ritter Ca. •mm.e.. roc. h.aT.s, Dale Donohoe .ws.at Caton Hednran rrra,,.n a A aw Drina Hrat r.c,rt Po-�v miman Gary Johnson Casaan.a � snric�w Tim Norris wcoosce A.0.,dyi Ravi Parer �,aa..tn r.v..,orx r Don Puente rro.e..�w raro,ns fam..e ew.fnnr BJ Schrarran pvp a i Ac. Bits Vibe Marx W tSal y r.wnma Match 25. 1995 THE HONORABLE HOWARD MC KEON UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 307 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 The Valencia Industrial Association views the development of an East/West Parkway linking futcrstate 5 to State Route 14 as critically important to the Santa Clarity Valley. Safely and efficiently moving people, goods and services across this valley is important to everyone in the region. Currently, there are approximately 15,000 employees in the Industrial Park. At build -out when the Valencia Commerce Center has achieved occupancy, nearly 40,000 jobs will be available iunthis area. Many of the employees inside in the eastern section of the Santa Clarity Valley. Having a safe and convenient way of getting across town to jobs, and to scrvices such as the hospital, library, sheriff's station as well as the shopping center, city hall and government offices is important. The Valencia Industrial Association supports your efforts to obtain federal funding for the roadway which has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road utilizing the existing Newhall Ranch Road. The Pastern connection of the load is being identified through Santa Clarita's Circulation Plan. CONNIE W01ZDEN-ROBF-RTS PRESIDENT, VALENCIAINDUSTRIALASSN. APR -O? -1995 17:le t 4 AERO-0ESIGN 7ECHN6LOGY INCORPORATED March 23, 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: We are pleased to support your effort to obtain funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with the related interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road utilizing the existing Newhall Ranch Road and the remainder of the route is being identified through the City's Circulation Plan. As you know, there are over 14,000 employees in the Valencia Industrial Center and more than 500 companies, including Acro -design Technology, Inc. Many of our employees come from the eastern portions of town and an east -west route would greatly facilitate the safe and expeditious passage of people into the Valencia industrial Center. we appreciate your support of this critically needed route_ Sincerely, Aero -design Technology, Inc Ravr atel Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 26908 Avt;r.pp Krt. ry r Caldnrni n 9;55.1 rel=., 870-N6J, 55 !AT:! VA -s - FBr: 05--351-0332 fS?R—e7-1995 17= 19 J5, - _ RileyZPead-manffi tchell C 0 M P A N Y March 21, 1995 The Honorable Howard McKeon United States House of Representatives 307 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman McKeon: We are please to support your effort to obtain federal funding for the critically needed east -west parkway to connect Interstate 5 with Highway 14, along with the related Interchanges. The route has been designated from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road utilizing the existing Newhall Ranch Road and the remainder of the route is being identified through the City's Circulation Plan. As you know, there are over 14,000 employees in the Valencia Industrial Center and more than 500 companies_ Many of the employees come from the eastern portions of town and an east -west route would greatly facilitate the safe passage of people into the major employment areas_ Also on the west side of town are important services such as the hospital, library, sheriffs station, regional shopping center, city hall and county government center. We appreciate your support of this critically needed route. Sincerely, RILEY EA LMA ITCHE OMPANY Illiam T. Mitchell WTM:de �.Bm Corporate Office; 11W San Vicente Boulevard, Suits 202, Las Angeles, California 90049 310/820.589I FAX:. 710/820-M54 Northern Califumie Office: 77 Cadillac Drive, Suite 210, Sacramento, California 95825 916820.1174 FAX: 916+920-11:7 04/07/95 ' .,# Devising a new, By Russ Britt JvL 3 Jq DfrrluNews .SrnJl Writer f NASA included odome- iers among the hanks of toggles and switches of a space shuttle, each one. would read in the millions of miles — high mileage for a car or even an airplane, but not so high for a craft that clips along at 17,000 mph. Yet even shuttles wear out, and Tile space agcncy is thinking about what a replacement flier might do and look like in 20 years ur so. "The shuttle is not going to fly forever," said Ed Gabris, division director for NASA's advanced launch systems. "Ihc, i]rct is if we don't build any more orbiters, which is the current national plan; we're going to have to build Soule - thing when these wear out." in recent weeks, the National Aeronautics and Space Adininis- tration has awarded a total of $50 million, in research pacts to 10 companies, including three in Southern C'alifornia. and officials hope to spend $I billion over the next five years. With that $1 billion, NASA would conduct further research in- to options for a vehicle and then begin work and spending on de- signs. NASA officials say that flights in support of the planned space station will tax thesitultic fleet, which includes fqur orbiter are suppose(I to i List until 2030 at the current flight rate, but addi- tional station flights could shorten the flcet's life by 20 years, Gabris said. 'Che space agency also wants to reduce the cost of getting people into space, Each shuttle flight costs $340 million, and NASA. wants to get that down to $40 mil- lion, Gabris said. C'ontr'actors say tlicy are trying to get costs clown to that level, but o11cr no guarantees it will be ac- complished. 1Vletlods used to achieve that goal are eliminating the practice of wasting costly hardware, such as the $80 million giant external fuel tank discarded after each shuttle mission, making a simpler spacecrall and increas- ing fuel clliciency. The current shuttle transports up to seven crew members on flights lasting up to thvo weeks and can handle, 50,000 pound'i of car go. .Since tilt; first flight of.C'olum- hia in 1981, the shortie has been used mostly to launch satellites and handleexperiments in space's See NASA / Page 3 This is an illustration of Lockheed's concept of a reusable rock, HEW SHUTTLE Below are the three main a similar design and reconfi proposals being eyed by NASA it to look like a rocket. as a replacement to the space R e letclynengines. is helping to br shuttle: M MCDONNELL DOUGLAS — The company's Huntington Beach space unit already has built the Delta Clipper, a craft that takes off like a rocket, maneuvers in the air and rests back to the ground. M ROCKWELL — Builders of the space shuttle, Rockwell is taking 13 LOCKHEED — The coml "Skunk Works" in Palmdale working on a design on its ( known as a lifting body. NA` however, is not funding res( on the stubby -winged aircre year over concerns it is not airworthy. Locldieed could for funding later. 4 .....�...a51 ev r kAnninav KAAR(.H 20. 1995 /DAILY NEWS REGIONAL REPORT 0 to expand Port of Hueneme Trade �:11 forming. By Michael Coit Daity News Staff Writer PORT. HUENEME — International businesses that rely on the Port of Hueneme to import and export automobiles, produce and other commodities hope to stoke what often is touted as Ventura County's economic engine. While shipping through the port has reached record levels during the past several years, leaders of a proposed trade association said they want to help port officials improve operations: An important element will be expanding the 70 -acre facility. "We have an excellent relationship with the port. But if you don't get new ideas, you don't grow," said Salim Murr, who oversees imports of BMW cars that are prepared at a facility near the port for shipment to dealers in 11 Western states. The trade association would bring together major exporters and importers, shipping lines and outfits that load and unload and direct traffic in the port, said William Quarles, spokesman for Sunkist Growers Inc. Quarles said the association plans to apply to the Secretary of State's Office for nonprofit status within 30 days. The association likely will have no paid staff and instead will rely on member repre- sentatives already familiar with port operations. "We're still pulling it together. The common denominator is that every one of them have a vital in- terest in -the Port of Hueneme," Quarles noted. "What impacts the port, the operations of the port, impacts all those other things." The port, initially opened in 1937, has attracted an increasing number of international shippers since Del Monte began importing bananas, melons and pineapples in 1979. Last year's addition of a refrigerated warehouse allowed Sunkist to boost exports of lemons, oranges and grapefruit from growers across California and Arizona to Pacific Rim nations. While often labeled the port that farmers built, the port handles a variety of commodities. Wood pulp comes through bound for the Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. plant in Oxnard. BMW of North America Inc. is one of six auto manufacturers that import vehicles through the port for distribution across the west. With 634,000 tons of general cargo shipped through the port in 1994, compared with 383,000 tons just two years earlier, there is little room for additional importers and exporters, said Kam Quarles, port spokesman. "We're kind of like the kid whose grown up out of their clothes," he noted. Expansion would allow the port to attract a new generation of major importers and exporters. Such a boost could lower operation costs for companies who rely on common carriers, such as the vital link that trucks provide to transport goods in and out of the port, officials said. Workers load citrus from Ventura County and unload South American bananas at the Port of Hueneme. "The port's been working on international trade for a long time and right now it's coming of age," Kam Quarles said. "Really; with international trade going the way it is, it's been steadily rising even with the recession, the sky's the limit:" Plans for expansion rely on agreements with the federal government, which operates the massive Naval Construction Battalion Center next to the port. Kam Quarles said federal budgets authorized for the Department of Defense over the past two years call for. turning over 33 acres to the port and for shared use of a third wharf. Port officials have talked with representatives for both the Navy and the city of Port Hueneme about use of the additional land. The Navy also must allow point use of the wharf. "Right now, we're essentially out of land," Quarles said. "Expansion would provide flexibility to keep increasing our business." The trade association is being formed in part to provide the port with a strong advocate for expansion, said William Quarles, who is the father of Kam Quarles. One fear is that residential de- velopment near the port could limit expansion. "We don't want it to tarn mto a Burbank Airport type situation where urbanization moves in," William Quarles noted. Generally, an expansion would increase shipping volume. Additional acres and a third wharf would provide space for more warehousing and transport facilities serving both existing and new firms, which could be lured from the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, expansion proponents say. One benefit of boosting the tons of commodities moved through the port is the potential to lure more trucking firms vital for transporting goods, proponents say. Murr, of BMW, noted that companies importing goods could gain faster, more efficient and even less expensive transports if more trucks serviced the port. "Our common interest here is the efficient operation of the port, whether we're dealing with fruit or cars," Murr explained. "Rather than each one us approaching the port with special issues, we bring the port common issues." Leaders of the proposed trade association have yet to discuss more specific improvements and said they are generally pleased with their ability to move commodities to meet customer demands. "We could help the port get more business by presenting to the port what's attractive to business," Murr said.