10-19-10

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery; Actual Presentations May Differ

Thank you, GEORGE [DIXON, RTA], for that kind introduction.

On behalf of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff, I am honored to join you today to celebrate the life of a true champion for the people of Ohio who left us too soon, STEPHANIE TUBBS-JONES.

What better way to honor her memory, than to celebrate the grand opening of a project that symbolizes her core values.

The late Congresswoman believed in the power of investing in a more livable and sustainable Cleveland that’s ready to thrive and compete in the 21st century.

And she worked tirelessly to win Federal, state, and local support for a modern transportation facility that’s going to make life better for commuters, for city residents that depend on transit, and for CSU students eager to explore all that this city has to offer.

How proud she would be to witness the transformation of a plain old parking lot into a new and much-needed destination that meets the highest standards for energy conservation.

FTA is pleased to contribute to this flagship project that will keep Cleveland moving forward by attracting more people, more employers, and more shops to this downtown neighborhood.

Our commitment to provide 88 percent of the Center’s funds—with a boost from the Recovery Act—made it possible for this dream to become a reality.

I want to thank Governor STRICKLAND and Congresswoman FUDGE for picking up where Congresswoman TUBBS-JONES left off.

You’ve worked hard to bring better transportation and more jobs to Cleveland and the rest of Ohio, and we appreciate your efforts.

With your help, more than 870 high-priority transportation projects are under way throughout the Buckeye State, funded by the Recovery Act. These projects have saved or created roughly 117,000 good-paying jobs for local residents during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

I also want to thank RON BERKMAN of Cleveland State University for agreeing that we could find a better use for the parking lot you once owned.

And of course, RTA has done a terrific job taking on this massive project and seeing it through to completion.

And finally, I want to acknowledge the TUBBS-JONES family members here today, for showing their support for a woman they loved dearly—and for showing their support for the city they love as well.

Thank you all very much.