Dennis Kucinich: “I voted today for H.R. 1000, the Aviation and Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century, because airport expansion is…”

“I voted today for H.R. 1000, the Aviation and Investment Reform Act for the 21st Century, because airport expansion is important to our national economy and the local economies surrounding each airport. In my district, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is a tremendous asset to the people of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. However, the value of Hopkins to business and recreational travelers, as well as the resource economy of the Greater Cleveland area, must be balanced to protect residents living near the airport, or who are otherwise affected by Hopkins operation and expansion. Many issues have arisen at Hopkins, including the failure to look at other alternatives, the significant noise impacts from increased air traffic, and finally environmental concerns that include water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, and wetlands. The current approach to Hopkins expansion assumes that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will continue to be the sole airport serving all the needs of passengers and air cargo traffic for the next twenty years. Any expansion plans must include regional planning that considers use of already existing resources, including greater use of Burke Lakefront Airport, the Akron/Canton Regional Airport, and other local airports, as contributors to Northeast Ohio's air transportation mix.”