THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

                   STATEMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT GORE 
            ON NEW AEROSPACE CENTER AT KELLY AIR FORCE BASE

This is a great day for San Antonio my only regret is that I cannot be there in person to help you celebrate the wonderful news that the Boeing Company will establish a new aerospace support center at Kelly Air Force Base.

Today's agreement will assure that Kelly Air Force Base will be on the cutting edge of economic development, with both the resources and tools to attract private investment. It is this kind of partnership between government and business that provides good jobs for hard working Texas families and will keep our economy strong.

Last November, when the citizens of San Antonio so warmly welcomed me to their city, I was pleased to announce the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) loan guarantees that would help position Kelly for today's important development. But, this was only part of the Administration's longstanding commitment to Kelly. Ever since the base closure recommendation, the Administration has worked to bring economic development to San Antonio. The Departments of Defense, Commerce, and Labor have also provided resources and assistance that were crucial to laying the groundwork for today's announcement. These mutual efforts show that when the federal government works with local and state officials and private industry, we can form a partnership for our economic future.

President Clinton and I know that Kelly is a powerful engine of economic growth for the San Antonio community, and we will continue to work as hard as we possibly can to make certain that it continues to thrive. I congratulate the Greater Kelly Development Corporation, Boeing, Mayor Howard Peak, the Senators and Members of Congress who worked so hard to make this happen, and most of all, the people of San Antonio.

This agreement will go a long way to ensure that Kelly remains an important source of pride and progress to this wonderful city.