REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE MARY PETERS
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

HURRICANE IKE AIRPORT ASSISTANCE
HOUSTON, TX

SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
11:15 AM

Good morning. I want to thank Houston Airport System Director Rick Vacar for that introduction and Brian Rinehart for giving us a first-hand look at the damage to Ellington’s tower and other parts of this airport. It is clear that Hurricane Ike left its calling card here, as it did throughout the Texas Gulf Coast.

I would also like to thank Hud Hopkins for briefing us on the situation at Galveston’s Scholes International Airport. The debris and damage, as you can see from these pictures, are quite extensive.

I saw the storm’s devastation as we traveled down the Gulf Freeway this morning. Along the road toward Galveston, we were met with splintered remnants of what – just a week ago – were proud homes, thriving businesses, and busy highways.

In the aftermath of one of the most devastating hurricanes ever to hit this area, restoring air service is a critical part of recovery efforts. So I would like to publicly thank the Federal Aviation Administration employees who braved the high winds and rising waters during and after the storm to make sure equipment was protected and that air traffic control services were available for search and rescue efforts even before the skies cleared.

The good news is that we have been able to reopen Houston’s Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental for commercial service. These airports play an important role in the economy of this state.

But so does the service that smaller airports like Ellington Field and Galveston International provide. These general aviation airports serve the business and travel market. They connect smaller communities and relieve pressure on the major airports. And they get engineers and equipment out to the oil rigs, and help crews patrol our nation’s pipelines.

President Bush was here at Ellington Field yesterday to talk about federal help with the response and recovery to Hurricane Ike.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has been working hand-in-hand with federal, state, and local officials on recovery and relief efforts.

And earlier today, I announced that we are making $2 million in emergency highway funds for Texas and $2 million for Louisiana available immediately to help clear debris from the roadways and get them open to traffic again.

The federal government will also be a partner in helping air service to take off again.

I am announcing that we are providing $1 million in emergency Airport Improvement Program funds to help clear debris and get a handle on the damages at the airport in Galveston. Before we can begin rebuilding, we need to understand just how sweeping the damage is.

And we are committed to working with Congress to help these airports rebuild.

Getting communities reconnected to the skies is a good way to make sure this region soars again. This facility and other small airports that serve general aviation are absolutely vital to the economy of this area. And we will see that they get the help they need to rebuild.

Thank you. And now, I would be happy to answer a few questions.