[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3037]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT'S (DIA) 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 27, 2015

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denver 
International Airport's (DIA) 20 years of service to the people of 
Colorado. The airport started serving flyers on February 28, 1995 and 
has brought travelers to and from Denver safely and swiftly ever since.
  Today, Denver International's CEO, Kim Day, and the airport staff 
operate the fifth-busiest airport in the country. DIA has become an 
economic engine for the state of Colorado, stimulating more than $26 
billion in annual revenue for the region.
  Additionally, DIA now supports more than 183,000 jobs, with an 
estimated annual payroll of nearly $8.5 billion. The airport has grown 
to serve more than 170 nonstop destinations around the world in nine 
countries, representing new gateways to cultural and economic 
opportunities in Asia, Central America, Europe, and beyond.
  In addition to serving the people of Colorado, DIA set the standard 
for environmentally responsible airports. Denver International's 
translucent fabric canopy takes advantage of our 300 days of sunshine 
per year to create a passively lit interior. Additionally, the airport 
hosts a 9,000 panel solar array that produces 3.5 million kilowatts of 
power.
  For me, DIA's distinctive profile that mimics both the snow-peaked 
Rockies and the Native American teepees of Colorado's history means 
that I have arrived home.
  I congratulate everyone involved with the airport in reaching this 
milestone anniversary and extend my sincere gratitude for their 
continued success and service to our community.

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