[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1194-E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AIRPORT AS THE 2005 RECIPIENT 
           OF THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OF THE YEAR AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                  in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Southern Illinois Airport for being awarded the 
General Aviation Airport of the Year for 2005 by the Illinois 
Department of Transportation.
  Southern Illinois Airport is located between Carbondale and 
Murphysboro, and is among the busiest airports in the state, with 
120,000 takeoffs and landings each year. In addition to the private and 
business customers who use the airport on a daily basis, Southern 
Illinois Airport is also home to the Aviation Management and Flight 
programs for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
  The airport is designed to accommodate aircraft from the smallest 
propeller airplanes to the small jets used in business fleets. Its 
proximity to the commercial, recreational and educational facilities of 
Southern Illinois make it convenient for the private or business 
traveler.

[[Page E1195]]

  Location alone is not responsible for the success of Southern 
Illinois Airport. Airport Manager Gary Shafer and approximately 200 
full and part-time employees have earned through their hard work and 
commitment to excellence no only the General Aviation Airport of the 
Year Award for 2005 but the continued respect and confidence of the 
flying public. This marks the fourth time that Southern Illinois 
Airport has been the recipient of this prestigious award, the second 
highest number among all the airports in the state of Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Airport 
Manager Gary Shafer, the Commissioners and staff of Southern Illinois 
Airport for this very well-deserved award.

                          ____________________