REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y.
MINETA
SECRETARY OF
TRANSPORTATION
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AIRPORT
GRANTS
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
AUGUST 8, 2002
Thank
you Congressman Keller for that kind introduction.
It is truly a pleasure to join all of you here today.
I also want to thank
Congressman Keller for his successful efforts in the House to require the
linking of airlines’ passenger manifests with the FBI’s watch list, so that
we now have a better chance of catching known terrorists attempting to board our
aircraft. Ric, your leadership on
this issue is making America safer.
It’s good to see my old
friend, Congressman John Mica –
or should I say Chairman Mica. I
had the privilege of serving for several years in the House of Representatives
with Congressman Mica, where I came to know him as an effective advocate for the
people of this great state.
More recently, in his
capacity as Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, we have worked together to pass and implement the new
Aviation and Transportation Security Act, the law that makes aviation security,
for the first time, a direct responsibility of the federal government.
As a result of this new law,
I can tell you with great confidence that transportation security is at its
highest levels in the history of our nation, and we will make it better still in
the weeks and months ahead.
I want to acknowledge our
Federal Security Director for Orlando International, Charles Lutz, a true
professional with 32 years experience in federal law enforcement, who will help
us launch this new era of aviation security.
As you know, last week we
deployed federal passenger screeners at two of the terminals here at Orlando
International, among the first of the major airports in the nation to receive
federal screeners. Thanks to the
dedication and hard work of Mr. Lutz and all the other folks at the
Transportation Security Administration, as well as staffs of the airport and the
airlines serving Orlando, I’m pleased to say the transition has gone smoothly.
We expect to implement the
lessons learned here as we accelerate the pace of deployment across the country,
on our way to meeting the November 19th deadline for federal
passenger screeners at all 429 commercial airports nationwide.
Finally, I want to recognize
Mayor Glenda Hood of the City of Orlando, and Chairman Rich Crotty of the Board
of County Commissioners for Orange County. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be
with us this morning.
I’m proud to be joined for
today’s announcement by the Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority, Jeffry Fuqua, and by the airport’s executive director,
Bill Jennings. Under their capable guidance, Orlando International plays a
key role in this region’s economy, offering more scheduled non-stop flights,
and serving more domestic passengers, than any other airport in Florida.
On
behalf of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, I present today $8.4 million
in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements at Orlando
International Airport
The airport will use these
funds to purchase security equipment and airport rescue and fire-fighting
vehicles, and to acquire land for noise abatement.
President Bush, Vice
President Cheney and I remain dedicated to building a reliable, efficient and
secure transportation system that will encourage Americans to travel and enjoy
our great nation.
Protecting and improving our
transportation infrastructure is of central importance to all Americans.
These grants will help Orlando International Airport maintain the highest
levels of safety, security and efficiency in the years ahead.
The Bush Administration
pledges to continue working with you and with your leadership in Washington, to
ensure a safe and secure transportation system for the people of the Sunshine
State, and for all Americans.
Now, I invite Chairman Fuqua
and Director Jennings to join me for the check presentation.
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