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Group raises questions about San Diego airport expansion study

An environmental report linked to a proposed terminal expansion at Lindbergh Field is getting pushback. A group of San Diegans is raising questions about the report's findings.

SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — An environmental report linked to a proposed terminal expansion at Lindbergh Field is getting pushback. A group of San Diegans is raising questions about the report's findings.

San Diego residents and city leaders gathered at Liberty Station on Wednesday to protest the Airport Authority’s draft environmental impact report regarding a proposed $3-billion makeover of Terminal 1.

The report projects by 2050, 35 million people will pass through Lindbergh each year.

To support that growth, the plan is to expand the gate count from 19 to 30.

Along with that comes increased traffic and noise, which the report does acknowledge, but in some areas says is “significant and unavoidable.”

Opponents argue the Airport Authority's data is flawed and they're not doing enough to address those concerns.

"They need to use accurate current data to project data to project traffic, air pollution and noise levels,” said Councilmember Lorie Zapf. "They also need to pay their share to mitigate these impacts that the redevelopment will create."

While the report does suggest adding express bus and shuttle services, the Airport Authority says some projects aren't feasible because the FAA may not authorize them to use funds for off-airport improvements.

Part of the expansion however is to include a new roadway on Harbor Drive something Airport Authority board chair April Boling says has gone ignored.

"It's significant,” she said. “It's a $165-million project to get all of that traffic off of Harbor Drive."

As for the expansion, Boling says even without it more and more people will continue to travel in and out of San Diego.

"I think they think that it’s like a restaurant - if you double the size, you'll get twice as many people, we're gonna have those passengers there one way or the other,” said Boling.

As for the draft EIR, she says it's just that - a draft - and that elements can change.

Opponents though say they want a new one altogether

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