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REMARKS
FOR
THE HONORABLE NORMAN Y. MINETA
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
CHARLOTTE/DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
CHARLOTTE, NC
AUGUST 14, 2003
Thank
you, Pat, for that warm welcome. And
thank you everyone for being here today.
It
is a pleasure to be here in the great state of North Carolina with
Representative Robin Hayes and our other distinguished guests.
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 Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, I am pleased
to deliver two checks totaling almost $37 million.
The
first check is for more than $15 million in federal grants to expand the
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. We
will invest this money in two key projects: one to reduce delays and increase
capacity, and another to open the door for the new trend of regional jet
traffic.
Delays
cost airlines money and cause passengers headaches. That's why $7.5 million will go toward a third, parallel
runway that will complement the two you already have.
This will alleviate existing traffic and pave the way for additional
flights.
Another
$7.7 million will be used for a very forward-thinking project - the expansion of
this very concourse, Concourse E. In
fact, if you look out the window, you will see the future site of this concourse
which is specifically designed for smaller, regional jets.
This
emerging market offers new and exciting economic opportunities for airports
around the country. More
importantly, it offers the flying public more choice to go wherever and whenever
they want.
We're
very excited to be part of such a cutting edge project, and look forward to
watching its progress.
The
second check, for more than $21.8 million, is an aviation block grant to help
airports throughout the state of North Carolina. This will bring the freedom of mobility to all corners of
your state. The money it will be
distributed by the state to various non-primary airports.
I
am proud that we in the Administration could help you make that happen.
At
the Department of Transportation, we understand the importance of aviation to
the economy of not only Charlotte, but the entire state of North Carolina.
These checks are 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 aviation bill as soon as possible.
Now,
Pat, if you and Congressman Hayes would be so kind as to accept these checks on
behalf of the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and the state of North
Carolina, I will be pleased to endorse them.
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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