DOT 50-02
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces Airport Grants for St. Louis
ST. LOUIS – U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced federal grants totaling $17.6 million for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
“Protecting and improving our transportation infrastructure is of central importance to all Americans,” Secretary Mineta said. “As we recognize National Transportation Week, I can assure you that President Bush and I remain dedicated to building a reliable, efficient and secure transportation system that will encourage Americans to travel and enjoy our great nation.
“With air travel growing as our aviation system continues to recover from the Sept. 11 attacks, these grants will help Lambert Field maintain the highest levels of safety and efficiency in the years ahead,” the Secretary added.
“This money means safer and more efficient travel to and through St. Louis,” said U.S. Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri. “It is a huge investment in a better economic future for the entire St. Louis area.”
A total of $9.9 million will be used to acquire land for noise compatibility, including the replacement of Berkeley High School, which was affected by aircraft noise.
An additional $7.7 million represents the latest installment of a multi-year Letter of Intent from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grant will be used to help fund construction of a new parallel runway that will enhance airfield capacity and reduce delays while accommodating future traffic increases.
Secretary Mineta made the announcement at the airport at the end of a week-long bus tour in celebration of National Transportation Week. Secretary Mineta has participated in events in Pittsburgh, Columbus, OH, and Indianapolis, in addition to St. Louis.
The grants announced today come from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The FAA has distributed more than $800 million in AIP grants during the current fiscal year.
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