The Folsom City Council unanimously voted to see Sacramento County over the planned expansion of Mather Airport.
If the plan goes through, Mather would become a major hub for cargo carriers, and there is concern over flyover noise.
“If the master plan proceeds as planned and Mather is converted to a significant cargo hub, the impacts on the residents of Folsom will be significant into perpetuity, and that is unacceptable,” Folsom Mayor Kerri Howell said.
The county Board of Supervisors last month voted for a master plan calling for $107 million in improvements to the airport. Airport officials say the improvements are needed to bring the former U.S. Air Force base up to current standards.
Supervisors voted 3-1 in favor of the plan and related environmental documents. Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, who represents Folsom, was opposed. Supervisor Susan Peters abstained because she owns property next to the airport.
Howell’s statement and a previous letter from the City Attorney’s Office indicate that the city will challenge the county under the California Environmental Quality Act. The city has accused the county of not making necessary legal findings before approving environmental documents for the Mather expansion.
County spokesman Chris Andis said it is against county policy to speak about pending lawsuits.
The lawsuit will mark the second time Folsom has sued the county over Mather operations. Folsom challenged an earlier Mather expansion in 2007.
“If the master plan proceeds as planned and Mather is converted to a significant cargo hub, the impacts on the residents of Folsom will be significant into perpetuity, and that is unacceptable,” Folsom Mayor Kerri Howell said
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