September 11 Digital Archive

email633.xml

Title

email633.xml

Source

born-digital

Media Type

email

Created by Author

unknown

Described by Author

yes

Date Entered

2002-08-30

September 11 Email: Body

Subject: Statement of Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
Sent by: DOT NEWS
Services
<DOTNEWS@www.dot.gov>
09/11/01 08:20PM
Please respond to dot.news
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
7:30 p.m. (EST)
Contact: Chet Lunner
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
DOT 93-01


Statement of Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta


One of the most cherished American freedoms is the freedom of movement, the
ability to move freely and safely. Today that freedom has been attacked. We
will restore that freedom throughout the national transportation system as
soon as possible. And we will restore the highest possible degree of
safety.

These terrorist acts are designed to steal the confidence of Americans. We
will restore that confidence. We have already taken some first steps. As a
precaution, I have ordered the FAA to ground all commercial air traffic
until at least tomorrow afternoon.

After the attacks, some of our aircraft were diverted to Canada. We owe our
Canadian neighbors a debt of gratitude for helping us redirect over 120
flights and their passengers to airports in Canada.

As of 6:00 p.m., AMTRAK resumed its passenger rail service. Major railroads
have taken steps to protect their assets, as well.

The United States Coast Guard is taking all necessary actions to control
the
movement of any vessel in any navigable water in the United States. Coast
Guard helicopters have been assisting with medical and national security
tasks.

We are currently looking at a wide variety of additional security measures
to increase traveler security.

Travelers will see increased security measures at our airports, train
stations and other key sites. There will be higher levels of surveillance,
more stringent searches. Airport curbside luggage check-in will no longer
be
allowed. There will be more security officers, random identification
checks.
Travelers may experience some inconveniences. We ask for your patience. But
we must do whatever it takes, with safety as our highest priority.

The Department of Transportation is working closely with the White House
and
appropriate federal agencies to mount a coordinated, nationwide recovery
effort.

Each American must know that we will restore our national transportation
system to a safe and efficient status as quickly as possible. Our system
has
been severely burdened by the stress of these horrendous attacks, but we
will recover.

In a democracy, there is always a balance between freedom and security.
Our transportation systems, reflecting the values of our society, have
always operated in an open and accessible manner. And, they will again.

Please be assured that we are activating all of our resources on an
emergency basis, and services will be restored as soon as possible.

September 11 Email: Date

Tuesday, September 11, 2001 (EST)

September 11 Email: Subject

Statement of Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta

Citation

“email633.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed December 2, 2024, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/38580.