REMARKS
FOR
THE
HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY
OF TRANSPORTATION
AVIATION
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
KANSAS
CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
KANSAS
CITY, MISSOURI
MARCH
14, 2002
10:30
am
Good
morning. On behalf of President
Bush and Vice President Cheney, I bring greetings from Washington.
Mayor
Barnes, thank you for the kind introduction.
It is a pleasure to join you in the “Heart of America.”
Let
me welcome the Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation,
Henry Hungerbeeler and his Aviation Administrator, Barry Weiler;
Kansas City Aviation Director, Russell Widmar;
Springfield-Branson Regional Airport Director, Robert Hancik;
Columbia Regional Airport Director, William Boston;
and our FAA Regional Administrator, Chris Blum and his staff from the
Central Region. Thank you for
joining us.
My
only regret is that it’s too early for lunch.
I understand I am in the right place for the best barbeque in the world.
Mayor Barnes, next time I’m in town, lunch is on you.
Before
I begin my remarks I want to take this opportunity to thank your Senior Senator
in Washington – Senator Kit Bond – for doing an extraordinary job on behalf
of the people of Missouri and on behalf of the people of this great nation.
The
authority to determine the Corporate Average Fuel Economy – CAFÉ –
standards for our nation’s vehicles has been returned to the Department of
Transportation.
The
Bond – Levin Amendment will ensure that we have the right tools to do the job
that the American people expect from us and we are anxious to get started.
(Pause)
This
morning I am pleased to announce nearly $26 million in Federal aviation grants
to ensure that the people of Missouri continue to have a safe, secure and
efficient aviation system.
As
all of you know, we have entered a new era in transportation, an era in which a
remorseless enemy attacked one of America’s most cherished freedoms — namely
the freedom of mobility. But we are
recovering and we are moving forward.
Protecting
transportation infrastructure, and improving our ability to quickly respond to
future attacks, is crucial to daily life in America.
President
Bush recognizes that a safe, secure, reliable and efficient transportation
system plays a vital role in that effort. And
our work is paying off.
I
am pleased to note that in spite of the events of September 11th –
one of the worst periods in aviation history – airports are rebounding.
Here at Kansas City International (KCI), 2001 ended on a high note with
passenger traffic nearly back to normal.
And the numbers are looking good for a banner year for 2002.
This
supports the Department’s annual forecast prediction for the airline industry.
By 2004 the number of passengers flying is expected to grow by an average
of 4 percent a year. That is very,
very good news.
Today’s
Federal grants will continue the safety and security effort in Missouri, as well
as to ensure that your state is well prepared to meet the capacity demands
predicted for the future.
Nearly
$6 million will stay right here at KCI to continue the rehabilitation of the
terminal apron, bringing the total federal dollars spent on this project to
almost $32 million.
KCI
is a vital piece of this region’s economy, generating more than 67,000 jobs
and nearly $3.2 billion in economic benefits for the region.
And
with the ongoing $218 million terminal improvement plan, scheduled to be
completed in 2004, KCI is well on its way to getting bigger and better and we
are delighted to help in that effort.
The
remaining Federal grants will go to the Columbia Regional Airport for airport
improvements; to the
Springfield-Branson Airport for runway extensions and to the State of Missouri
to upgrade general aviation airports around the State.
President
Bush sends his thanks to Mayor Barnes and the people of Kansas City for your
commitment to get on with the business of America.
The
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 Show-Me State.
Thank
you very much, travel safely and God Bless America.
Now,
will the airport representatives please join me for the check presentations?
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