In Memphis, Buttigieg says airport is of 'global importance'

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted Memphis International Airport's new $300-plus million deicing facility as an essential investment in the nation's transportation infrastructure Tuesday

"This is the biggest air cargo hub in North America. It is something of global importance, certainly a great importance to the U.S. economy and that's why we think federal dollars ought to go into airports like Memphis and helping them prepare for the future," Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg’s visit underscored the continued importance of Memphis-based FedEx to the country’s economy. The majority of air traffic at Memphis International, the busiest cargo airport in North America, is FedEx.

For the transportation secretary, the visit gave the cabinet official a chance to tout the facility’s completion as an example of what President Joe Biden’s administration is doing to ease the throughput in the supply chain during a busy holiday season. It also comes after supply chain difficulties have contributed to the highest inflation levels seen in decades.

The facility, which deiced its first plane about two weeks ago, is about 73 acres of concrete, a three-story building with a control tower, underground tanks that store and capture the chemicals used in deicing planes and two new bridges for planes across Louis Carruthers Drive on the south side of Memphis International Airport. Its planning stretches across several presidential administrations.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation, provided about half of the funds for the project. The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority contributed roughly the other half.

Buttigieg's presence and the importance of FedEx were not lost on some of the other dignitaries Tuesday.

"Thank you to FedEx, because nothing at our airport happens without your input and guidance. And thank you for all you do in this city," Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said. Strickland was born in South Bend, Indiana, which is where Buttigieg was mayor before he became a member of Biden's cabinet.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, noted the planes flying just outside the maintenance hangar where Buttigieg's event was held.

"FedEx is our most important commercial enterprise. When you hear those airplanes roar, and that's the sound of commerce and the sound of money, the sound of people having jobs and have good opportunities. So, Secretary Buttigieg we appreciate your being here and you're helping us," Cohen said.

Buttigieg described Cohen as a "relentless" advocate for the city.

"And I do mean relentless," he said.

Buttigieg says rail strike would be 'devastating'

Buttigieg faced questions about another potential supply chain snafu – a railroad worker strike. Biden on Monday called on Congress to use its power and pass legislation that would enable a deal between labor and the railroad companies.

Buttigieg said the country had few options but to avoid a strike.

"I can't speak for Congress. But what I'm seeing is a very strong level of motivation to get this done. This isn't a Democrat or Republican thing, this is about making sure that our economy avoids will be the devastating consequences of the shutdown," Buttigieg said.

Local leaders ask Buttigieg for more funding

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland told reporters Tuesday that Cohen and Airport CEO Scott Brockman asked Buttigieg for further funding for refurbishing the airport's terminal. He said he visited with the transportation secretary for about five minutes Tuesday.

Samuel Hardiman covers Memphis city government and politics for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by email at samuel.hardiman@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter @samhardiman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Buttigieg, in visit to Memphis, says airport is of 'global importance'