Mayor Evans urges Riverside supervisors to pause through the fence airport agreement resolution

La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans urged the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to pause a proposed resolution that would ban through-the-fence agreements at local airports, particularly impacting Jackie Cochran Airport. During the board's regular meeting on August 26, 2025, Evans emphasized the need for further discussions with all stakeholders, including municipalities like La Quinta, which have not been adequately consulted.

The proposed policy stems from the county's decision to sell adjacent land to the 29 Palms Scribe, aiming to boost economic growth in the East Valley through airport service expansion. Evans expressed concerns that the blanket ban could hinder future opportunities for development and safety improvements at the airport, which she described as being at risk of a tragic accident due to unresolved safety issues.

Evans called for a case-by-case approach to the through-the-fence policy, advocating for a collaborative dialogue to explore solutions that protect current airport operators while accommodating growth. She highlighted the importance of stakeholder input, referencing the board's history of tabling controversial items for further discussion.

The meeting also featured comments from Mike Rover, vice president of the Berger Foundation, who echoed the call for stakeholder engagement. Rover noted the foundation's long-standing ties to the community and its interest in accessing through-the-fence agreements for their properties.

The board's decision on whether to table the resolution remains pending, with implications for the future of airport development and safety in Riverside County.