Speech
"Seattle’s Best – Sixteen Right Thirty-Four Left"
Robert A. Sturgell, Seattle, WA
November 20, 2008
SeaTac Runway Dedication
More takeoffs and landings, fewer delays, less fuel burn and better options during bad weather. Sixteen Right-Thirty-Four Left does all that and more.
It’ll give Alaska Air and other carriers something they’ve never had before at Sea-Tac — two streams of traffic in all weather conditions. Let me tell you, that’s huge.
In the spirit of teamwork, I want to thank everyone who pulled the long days and nights to make this day happen.
You know, a runway doesn’t get built in a day. There’s a lot of moving parts involved. Long before the folks in the hardhats show up, it takes a good decade of planning, designing, public hearings, and environmental testing.
But mostly, it takes sheer political will and leadership to get it done. And I want to congratulate Mark Reis, the airport commission, and the local community for having the forethought to come together and get this project off the ground — no pun intended.
In the days ahead, there are going to be a lot of tire marks on the runway. And that’s a good thing.
Tire marks mean the runway is doing what it’s supposed to do — free-up delays and jolt some life into the economy. Aviation is an engine of freedom and economic power.
So you’ll be glad to know that the FAA is working with other airports so that they, too, can experience the same benefits that Seattle is about to.
Dallas/Ft. Worth is expected to open an end-around taxiway next month. Philadelphia is getting a runway extension by the spring of next year. Also in 2009, Boston Logan is opening a centerfield taxiway. And Charlotte will have a new runway by 2010. Let it be said that when you keep airports strong, you keep communities strong.
You know, it’s also worth mentioning that a runway is like a welcome mat. It’s the first thing people see when they arrive at your door. Let me tell you, when visitors land here, when people come looking for a place to open their business, they’re going to know right off the bat they’re in the right place.
Seattle, congratulations.
