GILLESPIE FIELD – NEW 50-YEAR AVIATION LEASE WITH AIRWORLD LLC. AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 2)

The County of San Diego has approved a new 50-year aviation lease with Airworld LLC for continued operations at Gillespie Field Airport in El Cajon, California, effective September 1, 2025, and terminating on August 31, 2075. This lease renewal aligns with FAA guidance and state law that permit extended lease terms to facilitate amortization of substantial investments in aviation infrastructure, without any expansion of existing facilities or operations. The action qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301, which applies to leasing existing facilities with negligible or no change in use, eliminating the need for further environmental review. The lease is non-competitive and administratively approved, with no formal solicitation, evaluation factors, pricing data, or federal contract clauses involved. The County’s Department of Public Works, Airports Division, serves as the approving authority, with Jamie Abbott as the Director of Airports and point of contact for oversight. No financial terms, payment details, accounting codes, invoicing procedures, or contractor certifications such as UEI, CAGE, or small business status were disclosed. Performance is confined to the existing use of Gillespie Field, and no additional special requirements, delivery terms, or inspection protocols beyond environmental compliance have been specified. The approval was finalized via a Notice of Exemption submitted electronically and via hard copy to designated county offices.