Norwalk may get 15 acres of new park space

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38) introduced legislation today to facilitate the transfer of a portion of the U.S. Air Force Norwalk Defense Fuel Supply Point, also known as the Norwalk Tank Farm, to the City of Norwalk. If enacted, the bill would allow 15 acres of the 51 acre area to be designated for public purposes and transferred to the City of Norwalk at no cost.

The City of Norwalk has advocated for years to have a portion of the land allocated as open space for the community. Under the legislation introduced Thursday, 15 acres would be designated for a public park and recreation area.

“My office has been working with the U.S. Air Force and the City of Norwalk to reach an agreement that would turn the former environmental hazard area into a recreational space for the community,” said Sánchez. “I am pleased that today’s bill is the culmination of almost 20 years of advocacy by local leaders to ensure the site is restored and safe for public use. Despite the gridlock in Congress, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that this legislation is passed and signed into law.”

"Rarely does an opportunity arise where a single piece of legislation can so dramatically transform an obsolete asset into a dynamic community resource,"said Marcel Rodarte, Mayor, City of Norwalk. "We applaud the efforts of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez and the support of the US Air Force to help our community finally see progress on its long-standing vision to revitalize the area.  This is a well-crafted bill that's a win-win-win for everyone, especially the public."

If enacted, the legislation grants the City of Norwalk ownership and gives them the ability to move forward with making use of the 15 acres of land.

Located at Norwalk Boulevard and Excelsior Drive, the site was used by the U.S. Air Force to store jet fuel supplies from the 1950’s until 2001. Extensive environmental restoration has been underway at the Norwalk Tank Farm since 1994.