David Thomas: “I still have not received an answer to my letter from the FAA. The letter was sent in early December of 1997. All the…”

“I still have not received an answer to my letter from the FAA. The letter was sent in early December of 1997. All the letter asked was for a date by which we could expect a decision. I didn't ask for a decision, I didn't urge a certain outcome, just the date. I called the FAA Administrator several weeks ago and though she said she would check into it I have heard nothing from her or her staff. For an agency that claims safety as its No. 1 priority, these delays are hard to understand. This assessment is not an effort to expand the airport. There won't be longer runways, bigger airplanes or more flights. It is about safety, safety for everyone flying in and out of this airport. Time is of the essence--there is a short construction period, as you might imagine, in Jackson Hole, WY. The FAA needs to come to a decision quickly or these safety improvements will be delayed for yet another year. Mr. President, I guess I have to admit that I am simply expressing my frustration with this situation. The FAA's primary responsibility is safety. The Jackson Hole Airport presents an opportunity to deal with an important safety issue and we've received no response from the FAA. I, therefore, intend to be rather critical of the FAA until it decides to act and comes to a conclusion. This process has gone long enough. The FAA needs to move forward now.”