NEW CARGO RAMP APPROVED FOR PLANT 42.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved on Tuesday a request for bids for the construction of a new cargo ramp to serve commercial freight planes at U.S. Air Force Plant 42.

The estimated $1.5 million project will provide for the construction of a ramp measuring 600 feet by 300 feet, large enough to accommodate two cargo aircraft simultaneously at Plant 42.

A bypass taxiway also will be built, and portions of two taxiways adjacent to the Palmdale Regional Airport terminal will be reconstructed.

``We are committed to a growing cargo service at Palmdale,'' said commission President John J. Agoglia. ``But before we can approach cargo companies about using our airport, we've got to get some concrete on the ground.''

Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director John J. Driscoll said Tuesday's action follows the city's contribution of $2 million to a U.S. Air Force airfield improvement project at Palmdale in spring 1998.

Commercial airliners can use the Air Force runways under a 1989 agreement, but none has done so since United Express pulled out in April 1998 because of slim business.

``When this ramp project is completed, Palmdale will be a viable alternative to LAX for cargo operations,'' Driscoll said.

The cargo ramp contract is expected to be awarded this summer. Construction is expected to begin in November and to take six months to complete.