What was required of airport sponsors following the establishment of the DLAND program?

The establishment of the DLAND (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Local Business Program) program included a mandate for airport sponsors to promote inclusivity and accessibility. This specifically required airport sponsors to allow public use without discrimination. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or status, have equal opportunity to access and benefit from airport facilities and services. This commitment to nondiscrimination is a vital part of equitable practices in airport operations, reinforcing the idea that public facilities should be available and welcoming to everyone in the community.

Other aspects, such as charging commercial rates or having a management company, do not directly adhere to the core principle of nondiscrimination in public use. Focusing primarily on cargo services also diverges from the intent of the DLAND program, which is more aimed at civil rights and equitable access rather than specific operational focuses. Thus, the requirement for public use without discrimination reflects the program’s overarching goals of inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups.