U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited three U.S. airports last month as part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America tour and reviewed plans for infrastructure improvements.
“American aviation is the safest in the world because we never take it for granted, and we always keep working to improve it for the future,” Buttigieg said in a tweet posted March 31.
At Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Buttigieg toured the new air traffic control tower facility and reviewed aviation department leaders’ plans for a new parallel runway, taxiway system, and end-around taxiways, according to a CLT press release about the event. These developments are expected to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance operational safety.
Buttigieg highlighted Little Rock National Airport‘s safety improvements and praised its efforts to prioritize safety and sustainability KUAR News reported on March 30. During his visit, Buttigieg toured the new fire station and reviewed the airport's emergency response capabilities. He also met with airport officials to discuss the airport's growth and sustainability plans. The airport has recently invested in safety improvements, including new runway and taxiway lighting, updated weather observation systems, and a new passenger terminal.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) officials were joined by Buttigieg to celebrate the groundbreaking of the third end-around taxiway, which will improve safety and reduce congestion, according to a DFW press release issued on March 30. The project is part of DFW’s $3.5 billion infrastructure plan to modernize the airport and enhance the passenger experience, with $288 million in federal funding being provided as part of the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan.
Buttigieg commended DFW’s efforts to prioritize safety and sustainability, saying that the airport is an example of how infrastructure investments can create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for communities, the release reported.
