The ongoing modernization of Los Angeles International Airport gained momentum Tuesday when the City Council approved $4.76 billion in additional improvements, including a controversial plan to move the northernmost runway closer to homes in Westchester and Playa del Rey.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Don Knabe and Mike Antonovich are recommending that the agency that oversees LA/Ontario International Airport return it to local control.

The supervisors are expected to introduce their motion today, urging Los Angeles World Airports - the agency that oversees ONT and Los Angeles International Airport - to turn over control of ONT to a local agency.

In their motion, the supervisors ask that LAWA "make good" on a 2006 settlement agreement that required the agency redistribute air traffic throughout the region.

ONTARIO -- Inland Empire economist John Husing is not backing down from his harsh criticism of Los Angeles World Airports - the agency that operates L.A./Ontario International Airport - saying Thursday LAWA has deliberately run operations at the midsize airport down to the ground.

On Wednesday, at a forum on the Inland Empire's economy, Husing left no doubt how he felt about LAWA's handling of ONT, saying "LAWA can go to hell."

He said Wednesday that airport management, not the economy, is to blame for ONT's struggles.

Not only did Ontario reject Los Angeles World Airport's offer to sell L.A./Ontario International Airport back to Ontario for $474.5 million, but the inland city followed up with the precursor to a lawsuit against LAWA and the city of Los Angeles -- much to the dismay of L.A. City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana.