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DOT 100-03
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571
Thursday, September 4, 2003
U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $10.9 Million for Texas Airports
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today announced $10.9 million in grants to enhance safety and security at airports in Texas.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) received $8.6 million, while $2.3 million went to Houston’s Clover Field.
“President Bush and I remain dedicated to building a safe, secure and reliable transportation system that operates efficiently, strengthens the economy and improves our quality of life,” Secretary Mineta said. “Safety is the Bush administration’s top transportation priority, and protecting and improving our transportation infrastructure is of central importance to all Americans. These grants will help airports in Texas maintain the highest levels of safety and security in the years ahead.”
"I’m pleased the Department of Transportation has awarded new funds to these vital Texas airports,” said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. “With more than 50 million passengers traveling through its terminals each year, DFW is a critical link in our nation’s aviation network. This money will enhance security and further ensure safety for all travelers. The funding for Houston’s Clover Field will provide for a viable taxiway at this important regional airport."
“Addressing the need for infrastructure improvements at our nation’s airports is a critical component of economic development,” said Sen. John Cornyn. “I appreciate the efforts of Secretary Mineta and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the cooperation of TXDOT, and the communities that made this funding possible.”
The funds for Dallas Fort-Worth will be used to:
* provide security enhancements, including modification of an airport access control point for Transportation Security Administration screening – including signage, designation of inspection areas and roadway barriers – to expedite processing of passengers and ensure safe areas for inspection.
* acquire a mobile ventilation unit to decrease the amount of time needed to clear fumes or smoke from a terminal building.
* conduct a study of the airfield pavement.
* acquire a runway friction testing unit to evaluate the level of rubber buildup on runways.
* construct a deicing containment facility to separate deicing fluid from storm water to minimize the chance of affecting nearby waterways.
* rehabilitate runways, apron pavements, taxiways bridges, a service bridge for aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles, and lighting on runways and taxiways.
The funds for Clover Field will be used to rehabilitate the airport’s taxiway. This funding comes under the state block grant program for non-primary airports.
The grants come from the Airport Improvement Program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration.
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