Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Tustin Will Get $1 Million from US Navy For Hangar Fire Cleanup
The historic blimp hangar, at right, seen as it burned on Nov. 7, 2023.
(
Jae C. Hong
/
Associated Press
)
Topline:
The Tustin City Council approved an agreement with the U.S. Navy to provide up to $1 million in federal funds to help clean up the aftermath from the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station fire. The decision came during an emergency city council meeting Friday.
Why it matters: Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard said the agreement is the first step in getting the situation resolved. He wants the federal funding to be directed towards cleaning up neighborhoods that are dealing with potentially hazardous ash and debris.
Why now: Since the hangar belongs to the Navy, the city isn’t able to even go on the property, Councilmember Ryan Gallagher noted. He said the agreement shows the city understands the health risks and is taking charge of the clean-up.
The backstory: Councilmember Rebecca Gomez said Tustin city officials, surrounding city leaders, and members of Congress from Orange County and neighboring areas have been working behind the scenes to advocate for the city with the federal government.
What's next: The Navy will need to clean-up the charred remains of the hangar. The debris could still pose a risk to the public, especially when the winds pick up as they have the last few days, Mayor Lumbard noted.
Go deeper: …to learn more about Orange County’s state of emergency.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
