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REMARKS
FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
HARTSFIELD ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
ATLANTA, GA
AUGUST 14, 2003
Thank
you, Governor Perdue, for that warm welcome.
And thank you everyone for being here today.
It
is a pleasure to be here in the great state of Georgia with Governor Perdue,
Congressmen Johnny Isakson, David Scott and John Lewis, and Ben DeCosta, the
general manager of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.
Transportation
is the bedrock of our national economy. And
the speed, efficiency, and safety of our transportation networks in moving
people and goods are vital to our economic health and our quality of life.
On
behalf of President Bush and Vice President Cheney, to support the continuing
growth and improvement of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, I am pleased
to deliver this check for almost $46 million.
Virtually
all of this money will be used to modify the Hartsfield Atlanta International
Airport for the installation of Explosive Detection System machines, as well as
other safety measures. I am proud
that we in the Administration could help you make that happen.
We
must continue to do everything we can to increase the public's confidence in our
national aviation system.
At
the Department of Transportation, we understand the importance of this airport
to the economy of not only Atlanta, and of Georgia, but of the entire Southeast
region of the United States. This
check is an investment in your future.
When
Congress returns to Washington next month, one of the first bills I hope it will
take up is the legislation that authorizes $60 billion for our Nation's air
transportation system over the next four years.
This
important bill funds much needed initiatives in safety, security, environmental
research, and airport grants such as the one we are giving today.
The
continued safety, security, and financial stability of our air transportation
system are indispensable to our quality of life and our economy.
I strongly urge Congress to pass the bill as soon as possible.
Now,
Sonny and Ben, if you would be so kind as to accept this check on behalf of the
Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, I will be pleased to endorse it.
Again,
thank you all for joining us here today. May
God bless each of you and may God continue to bless the United States of
America.
Now,
I would be happy to answer a few questions.
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