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DOT
69-03
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571
Thursday, August 14, 2003
U.S.
Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $37 Million for North Carolina
Airports
CHARLOTTE,
NC - During a ceremony today at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, U.S.
Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced grants totaling $37
million for Charlotte/Douglas International and other airports in North
Carolina. Secretary Mineta was
joined at the grant announcement by U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes of North Carolina and
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrorey.
A
total of $15.2 million will be used for expansion of Charlotte/Douglas
International. The remaining $21.8
million will be used to assist airport development throughout the state.
"We
at the Department of Transportation understand the importance of aviation to the
economy of not only Charlotte, but the entire state," Secretary Mineta said
as he presented ceremonial checks to Charlotte/Douglas Airport Director Jerry
Orr. "These checks are an
investment in your future."
Secretary
Mineta also urged Congress, when it returns to Washington next month, to quickly
pass pending legislation to authorize the nation's air transportation system
over the next four years. The $60
billion legislation will fund federal initiatives in aviation safety, security,
and environmental research, as well as airport construction and expansion.
Charlotte/Douglas International received $7.5 million to build a third, parallel
runway that will help reduce delays and increase capacity.
Another $7.7 million will be used for construction of Ramp E, a concourse
specifically designed for the growing fleet of smaller regional jets.
The trend toward regional jet service is providing new opportunities for
Charlotte/Douglas and other airports around the country as well as offering the
flying public more service choices, Secretary Mineta said.
The
grants come from the Airport Improvement Program of DOT's Federal Aviation
Administration.
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