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“RECOGNIZING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORT AS THE 2005 RECIPIENT OF THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OF THE YEAR AWARD” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1593-E1594 on July 25, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORT AS THE 2005 RECIPIENT OF THE
GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OF THE YEAR AWARD
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HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 25, 2005
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Southern Illinois Airport for being awarded the General Aviation Airport of the Year for 2005 by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Southern Illinois Airport is located between Carbondale and Murphysboro, Illinois and is among the busiest airports in the state, with 120,000 takeoffs and landings each year. In addition to the private and business customers who use the airport on a daily basis, Southern Illinois Airport is also home to the Aviation Management and Flight programs for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The airport is designed to accommodate aircraft from the smallest propeller airplanes to the small jets used in business fleets. Its proximity to the commercial, recreational and educational facilities of Southern Illinois make it convenient for the private or business traveler.
Location alone is not responsible for the success of Southern Illinois Airport. Airport Manager Gary Shafer and approximately 200 full and part-time employees have earned, through their hard work and commitment to excellence, not only the General Aviation Airport of the Year Award for 2005, but the continued respect and confidence of the flying public. This marks the fourth time that Southern Illinois Airport has been the recipient of this prestigious award, the second highest number among all the airports in the state of Illinois.
Southern Illinois Airport, like most general aviation airports, relies on federal funding assistance to maintain and improve their facilities. I was pleased to announce a Department of Transportation grant in April of this year for removal of obstructions to runway approaches. Recognizing the impact of this facility on the regional transportation network as well as the local economy, I have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for other projects in recent years. These projects have included; rehabilitating the primary runway and resurfacing another runway, replacing taxiway lighting, upgrading the snow removal fleet, purchase of an aircraft firefighting vehicle and acquiring land in the runway approach. These improvements help to ensure the safety of those people who fly in and out of Southern Illinois Airport on a daily basis.
Under the leadership of Airport Manager Gary Shafer, Southern Illinois Airport has been successful in recent years that have been difficult for the aviation industry in general and particularly for general aviation airports operating in rural areas. At my request, Mr. Shafer testified before the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In that testimony, he addressed the role of general aviation airports and the need for continued federal support.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Airport Manager Gary Shafer, the Commissioners and staff of Southern Illinois Airport for this very well-deserved award.
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