Brown Joins Biden to Outline How $16M in New Funds for Hopkins Airport Will Promote Economic Growth

$16 Million in Economic Recovery Funds for Airport Expected to Create 200 Jobs and Modernize Airport Infrastructure to Support Long-Term Growth

October 26, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Vice President Joe Biden today to outline how $16 million in economic recovery funds for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will create 200 jobs and support long-term economic growth by modernizing the city’s airport infrastructure.

“Transportation infrastructure and economic development go hand-in-hand,” Brown said. “These funds will create construction jobs for the next two years, and foster long-term economic growth. A modern, efficient airport is critical to bringing new jobs to the region and promoting Northeast Ohio as a good place to do business.”

Hopkins Airport serves as a transportation hub for the state, serving 10 million passengers each year. Through the economic recovery legislation, Hopkins airport has received $16 million in funds to support a construction project that will improve infrastructure and reduce congestion in its terminals.

Biden and Brown were joined by Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson in outlining how the new federal funds will be utilized. More than $10 million in funds will help construct a new taxiway and connect it to an existing taxiway, which will provide faster access to the de-icing area and create more space for planes to line up before departure or landing. An additional $5.7 million in funds will be devoted to the construction of a new aircraft hold apron that will reduce congestion in the terminal area by providing space for planes to wait away from the gates. In total, the funds are expected to create 200 jobs over two years.

Brown has been fighting to ensure Cleveland’s airport promotes economic development. Earlier this year, he called and wrote to federal officials in support of Continental’s application to join Star Alliance. This move, which was approved by the Department of Transportation, is expected to protect jobs at the Cleveland hub and improve services for business and recreational travelers.

Airports in Akron-Canton, Dayton, and Findlay have also received economic recovery funds for infrastructure improvements.

###

Press Contacts:
202-224-3978
Print this Page E-mail this Page
digg this! | reddit | del.icio.us | share on facebook

Recent Press

08/04/10 Sen. Brown Announces SBA Assistance Available for Eight Counties Hit by June Tornado »
08/04/10 Sen. Brown to Pres. Obama: Administration Must Do More to Combat Unfair Trade Practices »
08/04/10 Sen. Brown Announces SBA Disaster Loans Available in Southern Ohio »
08/04/10 Sen. Brown Announces $172 Million For Foreclosure Prevention Assistance In Ohio »
08/04/10 Following Key Senate Vote, Brown, Ryan Discuss Bill Aimed at Improving the Livability of Ohio Towns and Rebuilding Communities with Vacant and Abandoned Properties »