The Airports Authority was a key member of the Task Force that worked on this initiative to identify individuals who allegedly falsified information in order to obtain airport identification badges at Washington Dulles International or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports or otherwise violated the law. It was through the efforts of the Airports Authority Police Department to review some 20,000 records for erroneous information that these individuals were identified.

As thousands of visitors fly Washington to attend the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which will be celebrated from March 24th through April 8th, they will experience their first blossom experience at the Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors has elected the Honorable Robert L. Calhoun as Vice Chairman. Norman M. Glasgow, Jr., who formerly held the position of Vice Chairman, became Chairman of the Board in January.

Mr. Calhoun has served on the Board since 1996, and held the position of Chairman of the Business Administration Committee for the past five years.

Today's announcement by the Department of Transportation of additional service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is welcome news.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority looks forward to increasing our service to the community and to our nation.

The Authority appreciates all those who have worked hard to bring this increase in air service to the region.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors has elected its officers for 2002. At the monthly board meeting yesterday, Carolyn Boone Lewis was re-elected as Chairman and Norman M. Glasgow, Jr. was re-elected Vice Chairman. Gregory Wolfe was also re-elected as Secretary and Counsellor to the Board.

Ms. Lewis was elected as Chairman of the Authority last year. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1995. She was appointed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia.