ICYMI: As Part of Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America Tour” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Toured Vital Investments in Airfield Safety Across U.S.
In two-day swing, Secretary visited North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma
Washington, DC — Earlier this month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited four states to highlight federal investments supporting projects that will improve airfield safety at airports across the United States. These improvements — like redesigned taxiways that reduce runway intersections — are often unnoticed by passengers but are key to their safety.
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America Tour,” Secretary Buttigieg visited Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Texas, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. In Dallas, the Secretary announced a $28.8 million award to help construct a new End-Around Taxiway, which will reduce active runway crossings, improve safety, and reduce travel times for passengers.
The Secretary’s travel comes on the heels of the FAA’s Safety Summit, which brought together leaders from across the aviation sector to find potential causes and identify needed actions to ensure that America’s aviation system remains the safest in the world.
See below for select media coverage.
Charlotte, North Carolina
WCNC Charlotte (NBC): US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tours Charlotte Douglas airport
WSOC-TV (ABC): Transportation secretary speaks about runway safety at Charlotte airport
WJZY Queen City News (Fox): Pete Buttigieg in Charlotte to discuss aviation and safety
Little Rock, Arkansas
KATV News (ABC): Transportation Sec. Buttigieg highlights investment in airfield safety at Little Rock
U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg made a stop in Little Rock on Wednesday to highlight investments in airfield safety as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Investing in America Tour.”
Buttigieg, joined by city officials, spoke at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport where he promoted the recent investment of $41 million by the Federal Aviation Administration to the airport’s taxiway.
Democrat Gazette: In visit to Little Rock airport, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says ‘close calls’ on airfields demand attention
KUAR NPR News: Buttigieg highlights airport safety improvements in Little Rock visit
KARK News Little Rock (NBC): Transportation Secy. Pete Buttigieg talks safety, infrastructure at Little Rock airport
THV 11 News (CBS): Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talks runway safety at Little Rock airport
Arkansas Times: Buttigieg checks out airport construction, talks transportation safety during Little Rock visit
FOX16 Little Rock: Transportation Secy. Pete Buttigieg talks safety, infrastructure at Little Rock airport
Dallas, Texas
KERA NPR News: Buttigieg makes Dallas visit to unveil $29 million airfield safety project
Jonathan Miranda, a pilot with Irving-based Envoy Airlines, was at the summit. He said the new taxiway also helps prioritize pilot safety.
“I commend the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration for utilizing our nation’s infrastructure investment to make these important safety improvements,” Miranda said. “My colleagues and I work hard every day to ensure the safety of the flying public in and out of this airport and the many others we service.”
Dallas Morning News: Secretary Pete Buttigieg launches plan to avoid aircraft collisions at DFW Airport
WFAA ABC News Dallas: U.S. Transportation Secy. announces federal funding for DFW Airport
Associated Press: Buttigieg touts airport projects to boost safety, efficiency
NBC5 News Dallas/Fort Worth: One-on-One With Pete Buttigieg on Airline Flight Safety
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
KOSU NPR News: U.S. Secretary of Transportation visits Oklahoma City, highlights aviation industry
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime investment from President Biden’s leadership plus an explosion of new technological possibilities creating all this potential,” Buttigieg said.
KOCO 5 News (ABC): Pete Buttigieg highlights aviation workforce, safety on trip to Oklahoma
KWTV News9: Secretary Pete Buttigieg Visiting OKC to Meet with Aviation Safety Community
The Oklahoman: Buttigieg visits OKC to highlight focus on airspace safety, reliability
