Durbin Discusses Importance of Air Service in Downstate Communities at Senate Confirmation Hearing
If confirmed, Illinoisans will oversee Essential Air Service Program
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today discuss the importance of air service in rural communities while introducing Susan Kurland of Chicago, Illinois to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee which was holding a hearing on her nomination by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of Aviation and International Affairs. Durbin has introduced three Presidential nominees to this committee: Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood; Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Joe Szabo; and General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, Bob Rivkin.
“Susan’s work at the FAA gave her a keen understanding of the impact airports have on cities big and small. She knows firsthand how crucial airports and reliable air service are to the economic success of our communities,” said Durbin. “Susan, if confirmed, will be directly responsible for the Essential Air Service Program. With [her] Midwest roots and experience at the local and national level, I am confident she will work with this Committee to breathe new life to Essential Air Service Program and the many communities who depend on it.”
Kurland has over twenty years of experience in senior level government and private sector aviation roles – including airport, airline, local government, federal government, and airport infrastructure financing. She spent the first several years of her career as an attorney both in government and private practice, and later as general counsel for one of the country's major airport systems. Later, she served as Associate Administrator for Airports for the Federal Aviation Administration, leading the FAA's national airport program. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois working in public finance – dealing with airport infrastructure financing and municipal finance.
Previous Article Next Article