Two key elements of the CBA are employment and job-training opportunities during and after implementation of the airport master plan. As a part of the CBA, LAWA has agreed to provide $15 million for a job-training and First Source Hiring program, funded by the FAA for five years. The training and hiring program will allow participants to receive priority-based job placement in any new positions that become available on airport property.

Johnson says the contractors also are reaching out to regional mentoring programs and small businesses. On the central utility plant project, for example, a Clark/McCarthy JV, which won the project's design-build contract, is exceeding its goals for small-business participation. The Minority Business Enterprise/Women's Business Enterprise goals are 20% for design and 16% for construction.

The LAX projects also have a city-mandated sustainability goal, based on LAWA's guidelines. Johnson says the goal of every project is the highest practical LEED certification, but, he notes, "We have a standard Silver starting point." The guidelines say that projects "must optimize the use of recycled building materials, minimize the amount of energy used in construction and optimize energy efficiency."

"The economic benefits of the LAX modernization project are tremendous," said Paul Meyer, executive director the American Council of Engineering Cos. of California. "Not only is the project creating 40,000 new jobs, it is stimulating positive economic multiplier effects throughout the LA basin. LAX is the third busiest airport in the United States, is a critical connection point with Asian markets and absolutely needs modern, world-class facilities. We are very pleased that on May 23 in honor of this project the Los Angeles County Chapter of ACEC California will present its top Engineering Achievement Award of the Year to Los Angeles World Airports."