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REMARKS
FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
MIAMI, FL
AUGUST 14, 2003
Thank
you, Angela, for that warm welcome. And
thank you everyone for being here today. I
especially want to welcome Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman
Lincoln Diaz-Balart. President Bush
appreciates their support of his legislative initiatives.
Transportation
is the bedrock of our national economy. And
the speed, efficiency, and safety of our transportation networks in moving
people and goods are vital to our economic health and our quality of life.
I'm
here today to talk about the federal government's commitment to improving
aviation infrastructure here in South Florida.
But before I do, I'd like to say a few words about two Floridians who are
leading the fight to improve transportation safety.
Two
members of your state legislature are leaders on an issue that is very important
to me - reducing highway fatalities and saving lives.
Last
year, more than 42,000 Americans lost their lives in traffic accidents.
If you compare that to aviation, it's like a commuter airplane crashing
almost every day.
If
we increase safety belt use to 85 percent nationwide, the lives of 2,600 of our
friends and relatives would be saved each year.
After
losing his daughter, Dori, in an automobile accident, Representative Irv
Slosberg of Palm Beach has become a tireless crusader on behalf of a primary
seat belt law that would help us reach that goal.
Thanks
to his commitment, and the leadership of House Speaker Johnny Byrd of Plant
City, that bill is advancing in the state legislature.
Lives
are going to be saved because of their efforts, and I hope other state leaders
will follow the examples of Speaker Byrd and Representative Slosberg.
So,
it is a pleasure to be here in the great state of Florida.
On
behalf of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, to support the continuing
growth and improvement of Miami International Airport, I am pleased to deliver
this check for more than $16 million.
Eleven
million dollars will be invested in your new runway here at the Miami
International Airport. I know you
will dedicate it in a couple of weeks, and it will be open for business after
Labor Day. I am proud that we in
the Administration could help you make that happen.
The
other $5.25 million is to improve the terminal building, rehabilitate the apron
and make enhance security.
At
the Department of Transportation, we understand the importance of this airport
to the economy of not only Miami, but all of South Florida and our Nation.
This check is an investment in your future.
When
Congress returns to Washington next month, one of the first bills I hope it will
take up is the legislation that authorizes $60 billion for our Nation's air
transportation system over the next four years.
This
important bill funds much needed initiatives in safety, security, environmental
research, and airport grants such as the one we are giving today.
The
continued safety, security, and financial stability of our air transportation
system are indispensable to our quality of life and our economy.
I strongly urge Congress to pass the bill as soon as possible.
Now,
Angela, if you, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Diaz-Balart, Mayor
Penelas and County Commissioner Moss would be so kind as to accept this check on
behalf of the Miami International Airport, I will be pleased to endorse it.
Again,
thank you all for joining us here today. May
God bless each of you and may God continue to bless the United States of
America.
Now,
I would be happy to answer a few questions.
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