Trump has announced a major renovation plan for Dulles Airport, allocating $22.5 billion to eliminate the current passenger shuttle buses and build a rail transit system instead, aiming to elevate the airport into one of the best in the world.
Trump announced the project at the White House on Wednesday, 29 Jul local time, with a budget of $22.5 billion, approximately 810 billion baht. He stated that Dulles Airport has been regarded as one of the worst airports globally, but he intends to make it the best. As a former real estate developer, he expressed great enthusiasm for this project.
Trump pointed out that Dulles Airport serves as the main gateway to Washington, D.C. for international passengers, and said it is time for the U.S. to have the best airport in the world, starting from the nation's capital.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the project will discontinue the use of the People Movers passenger shuttle system, which has been criticized for resembling slow and inconvenient Star Wars-like vehicles, and will replace it with a U-shaped rail system.
The development plan will include:
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said the current terminal buildings were constructed over 45 years ago as temporary structures but have been in use ever since. He expressed that he has long awaited the day when America would build the world's best airport.
Buttigieg explained that the $22.5 billion funding will be raised through bonds and other financing methods, supported by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which manages the airport, along with the airlines serving Dulles Airport, without using federal government funds.
He added that the project still requires various permits but expects construction to begin in spring 2027.
Trump further stated that although some Congressional approvals are still needed, the project has bipartisan support overall.
Additionally, Trump mentioned plans to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system, noting that the current system is nearly 50 years old and outdated.
He referred to a helicopter-plane collision last year and said that with a modern air traffic control system, such an accident might have been prevented because the warning system would have activated several minutes in advance.
The Dulles Airport renovation is among several major construction projects Trump is pushing to leave a lasting legacy in the Washington area before his term ends in January 2029. Previously, he moved forward with building a new ballroom in the White House and plans to construct a large triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial.
Source:AP
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