By doing so, you'll become a role model for other airports around the country. These grants have upgraded Springfield's airport, giving it the capacity to become an even more important player in the regional, and national, economy. The result will be more growth and more good, high-paying jobs. It's a pleasure to see what can be achieved with dynamic local leadership, the support of national leaders like Senator Moseley-Braun, and the commitment of federal financing to complete the job. This grant reflects the view we all share that transportation is about more than concrete, asphalt, and steel, it's about people, and it's about providing them with the opportunity to lead safer, better, more fulfilling lives.
Good transportation can do that.
I'm looking forward to working with you to build the transportation system America needs for the new century, a transportation system that will truly be the tie that binds. If we do, then our best days will truly be yet to come.