FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 6, 1998
Contact: Kara Gerhardt
Tel.: (202) 366-5565
DOT 201-98
President Clinton and
Secretary Slater Dedicate
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater accompanied President William Jefferson Clinton at the dedication of the new Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, America’s newest airport, which will help the region prepare for the new century while boosting the state’s economy.
During the ceremony, President Clinton announced a $5 million Federal Aviation Administration grant for continued development of the airport.
"The real test of this new airport is not simply whether the skies are streaked with the contrails of jet planes," President Clinton said. "The real test of this new airport is the growth it generates, the jobs it creates, and the hope it inspires. It is found in the eyes of the children living on farms, and in these mountains, children who look skyward and imagine the places they will go."
"The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport will be the tie that binds, linking Northwest Arkansas to the nation and to the entire world," Secretary Slater said. He added that the airport, located near Fayetteville, will create "high-paying jobs and economic development opportunities."
The grant is the second scheduled payment of a FAA letter of intent for $29.5 million for paving, lighting, navigational aids, electric utilities, an electric vault, and water quality system.
Northwest Arkansas Regional is only the third new commercial airport built in the United States since Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974, following new airports in Fort Myers, Fla. and Denver.
Secretary Slater, accompanied at the event by Jane F. Garvey, administrator of DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said that this new airport will assure that Northwest Arkansas will be ready for the tremendous growth in air travel expected over the coming years.
The Secretary noted that the airport has widespread support in the community, the Arkansas congressional delegation and the state government. He recognized the leadership of former U.S. Rep. John Paul Hammerschmidt and the Northwest Arkansas Council partnership for leading the effort to make the airport a reality. He also acknowledged the role played by U.S. Senators Dale Bumpers and Tim Hutchinson and U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson.
The Secretary said the new airport will link Northwest Arkansas to the nation and the entire world. Federal Express plans to operate an international cargo hub at the airport, while American Eagle will provide domestic passenger service. A growing amount of world commerce is conducted by air, he said, and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport now will help the United States continue to compete and prosper in this increasingly global society.
Secretary Slater added that the new Northwest Arkansas Aviation Technologies Center, located at the airport, will train hundreds of aviation technology students, building a high-tech workforce that will attract industry to the region.
The airport was completed on time and under budget, saving taxpayers more than $35 million dollars. The FAA has supported the construction of the airport, having already committed $70.1 million. Prior to today’s announcement, the FAA had granted $44.1 million to the airport.
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