Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
News

Tustin Will Get $1 Million from US Navy For Hangar Fire Cleanup

In the foreground, a massive hangar sits intact. To the right of it, a twin structure is in ruins, with smoke still rising from the hull. All around it is wide open space to one side, and signs of suburban development to the other.
The historic blimp hangar, at right, seen as it burned on Nov. 7, 2023.
(
Jae C. Hong
/
Associated Press
)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

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.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today