Washington, Dec 19, 2000 - U.S. Representative Dennis J. Kucinich (D-Cleveland) today praised the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration upon their announcement of a funding package that includes $148.4 million for the expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. However, he warned that failure to resolve noise, air, and water, and wetland issues surrounding the expansion could further delay the project. The funding is part of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, or "Air 21" package that recently passed Congress.

"This funding package is important to the region and its economic growth," said Kucinich. "But the City of Cleveland and the FAA need to make certain that all the unresolved issues are indeed resolved so that the expansion can take place soon, and with minimal disruption to the lives of the people living closest to Hopkins," he added.

Some of the unresolved issues include wetland mitigation, water discharge permits, accurate disclosure of air quality impacts, and noise mitigation in surrounding communities.

"We look forward to getting closure on these issues of concern to the airport's neighbors so we can move forward with the expansion," said Kucinich.