Eight Gwangju Lawmakers Jointly Propose Amendment to Military Airport Relocation Act

Legal Basis for Support Measures in Relocation Area Established... Project Expected to Gain Momentum
Participation of Joo Ho-young... Anticipation for Cross-Regional Cooperation

Members of the National Assembly from the Gwangju area jointly proposed the "Special Act on the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport and Development of Former Site, etc.," which establishes the basis for support regarding the former site and the relocation area on the 7th. Photo by Park Gyuntaek

With the upcoming launch of a new government following the early presidential election, the long-standing project to relocate the military airport in Gwangju is expected to gain momentum.

On the 7th, eight National Assembly members from the Gwangju area jointly proposed a "Special Act Amendment on the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport and Development of the Former Site," which focuses on establishing support measures for the former site, the relocation area, and residents, as well as streamlining development procedures by revising related licensing regulations.

This amendment was introduced to address shortcomings in the "Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Act" enacted in April 2023. The details were prepared in close consultation with Gwangju City, and National Assembly Vice Speaker Joo Ho-young, who had previously led the "Daegu-Gyeongbuk Integrated New Airport Act," also participated as a co-sponsor.

The notable aspect of the amendment is that it establishes the legal basis for support measures for both the original location, which has endured inconvenience for the public good, and the new relocation area. If passed, the amendment will provide legal grounds for support policies for the former site and surrounding areas, as well as for the new relocation area accepting the military airport. It will also support the livelihoods, resettlement, and stabilization of residents displaced by the relocation.

Additionally, the amendment will simplify the procedures for minor changes in the development plan for the former site and promote the inclusion of additional licenses and permits to be handled as agenda items.

The amendment was co-sponsored by lawmakers with similar concerns, including Joo Ho-young and Baek Hye-ryeon, who is promoting the relocation of the Suwon military airport, raising expectations for bipartisan support in the National Assembly beyond regional boundaries.

Local lawmakers emphasized, "We will carefully ensure that the amendment is reviewed swiftly and without major objections in the National Defense and Legislation & Judiciary Committees of the National Assembly."

Meanwhile, a total of 17 lawmakers participated as co-sponsors of the "Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Act Amendment," including all eight local lawmakers: Min Hyungbae, Ahn Dogeol, Yang Bunam, Jeon Jinsook, Jung Junho, Jung Jinwook, Cho Incheol, and Park Kyuntaek, as well as Han Junho, Park Heeseung, Han Minsu, Seo Youngkyo, Heo Young, Park Jiweon, Kim Hyunjung, Joo Ho-young, and Baek Hyeryeon.