Recovery Act improves safety, creates economic ripples at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

"If this hadn't come along, I would still be seeking work. And I don't know anything other than work."

Van Smith is back on the job at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. He's part of a crew installing new runway approach lighting to help pilots land their aircraft in poor weather. This will allow the airport--consistently the world's busiest year after year--to improve its capacity and efficiency, while also improving passenger safety.

And it is supported by $5 million in money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Watch video of Administrator Babitt from Fox5 Atlanta

But the economic benefits of this Recovery Act project extend beyond the paychecks that Van Smith and his coworkers are happy to be earning. As Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt told those gathered last Friday at Hartsfield-Jackson:

"This $5 million project also means work for local concrete contractors, asphalt contractors, builders, electricians. A lot of people will go back to work on a project like this."

On the job at the ATL's 27L

Administrator Babbitt, a lifelong pilot, noted that the Recovery Act has been making airports safer across America, and the new lighting for runway 27L is only one example:

“Landing is one of the most critical phases of flight. This approach lighting system will give pilots an extra layer of safety. But the Recovery Act is also responsible for safety enhancements and upgrades at airports and FAA facilities nationwide.”

In fact, $1.5 million in stimulus money has already made possible a new backup generator at Hartsfield-Jackson's control tower. A dependable power source for North America's tallest control tower is essential for managing the airport's nearly 2,700 daily departures and arrivals. Like the approach lights, the new generator is a boost for safety and reliability.

And $2.6 million in Recovery Act money funded a new power system for the National Network Control Center, where pilot flight plans are processed. Again, a steady source of power is required for efficient operation of the Control Center, whose work is critical to our national airspace system.

FAA employees agree: ATL is even safer, more reliable with Recovery Act upgrades

The $9.2 million in Atlanta is just part of $1.3 billion in Recovery Act airport grants creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and making air travel safer and more reliable across the nation.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working for Van Smith. It's working for Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. It's working for America.

Comments

[Increase Traffic]

WOW... Another runway, more stimulus package money being spent, yet unemployment is still at an all time high. I guess one of the great things to this runway being built is that it will provide work(even if it is temporary) for those building it. And eventually it will increase traffic at America's already busiest airport, which can in return represent bigger revenues in other areas. Another thing that this story makes me wonder is whether or not we really are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen a few stories about US airports having an increase in flights and passenger traffic, so I certainly hope that this is a sign of the long awaited prosperity.

[Michael E. Bailey]

The ARRA has helped improve the infrastructure in so many ways and has, at the same time, meant a paycheck coming in to many many people. I hope the improved runway approach lights might also be installed at John Wayne Airport and Sacramento International. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[mbt schuhe]

@ increase I have seen a few stories about US airports having an increase in flights and passenger traffic, so I certainly hope that this is a sign of the long awaited prosperity.

[Over The Shoulder Baby Holder]

Another thing that this story makes me wonder is whether or not we really are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen a few stories about US airports having an increase in flights and passenger traffic, so I certainly hope that this is a sign of the long awaited prosperity.