Two cities could unite in battle against airport

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will consider signing an agreement to combine forces when it comes to issues related to John Wayne Airport on Tuesday at a special joint meeting of both city councils.

They will consider approving a memorandum of understanding that would essentially allow the cities to speak with one voice on airport matters.

“We’re hoping that both city councils will take action to approve the [memorandum of understanding],” said Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder. “I think what we have at present has been a patchwork of actions from both cities to work on the airport without any overall game plan.”

Both cities have been solidly against airport expansion and have undertaken individual actions to voice their opposition and lobby for proposals, but uniting the cities would allow them to share financial resources and information so that they have more sway.

The city politicians will also hear the results of a study on the Go Local program – an Orange County Transportation Authority initiative that could connect John Wayne Airport to the Metrolink commuter rail system using a bus or a train.

The meeting is at 4 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Country Club’s Los Lagos Room.

— Alan Blank