CITY OF HOUSTON TO RECEIVE $9,880,000 IN GRANTS FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in regards to a Grant awarded to the city of Houston today:

“Today I want to announce $9,880,000.00 in grants awarded to the City of Houston.  This grant will provide federal funding for the George Bush International Airport in Houston, TX.  This grant will provide a rehabilitative apron which is needed in order to maintain structural integrity of the pavement surrounding the airport.

“I have been a big supporter of Houston’s largest international airport as a member of the Committee of Homeland Security.   My history with airport improvement regimes have spanned many years.  I have strived to reduce the noise pollution that plagues areas around the airport by contacting the Chair and Ranking Members of both the House (Knollenberg, Olver) and Senate (Bond, Murray) appropriations subcommittees with jurisdiction over airport noise mitigation grant programs. 

“On June 12, I wrote letters to Transportation Secretary Mineta and Acting FAA Administrator Marion Blakey seeking their assistance “in securing funding under the Airport Improvement Program for noise compatibility projects designed to reduce the noise in certain areas of Harris County affected by the George H.W. Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport, even though the Day-Night Average sound level (DNL) of these areas currently is not more than 65 db(A).”  All airport improvements have been priorities of mine and fueled my persistence in obtaining this grant.   I also sought to seek environmentally sound airport vehicles to transfer passengers to and from terminals by switching airport transit vehicles from diesel burning vans.”

One of the advantages of modern life is the convenience of air travel.  America’s air transportation system is the best and safest in the world.  This grant gives Houston’s own George Bush International Airport the funding necessary to maintain and improve the airport’s current condition.   Our City’s international airport should remain one of the best in the world.”

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