FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2003
CONTACT: Kevin Schweers
SENATOR HUTCHISON WELCOMES TOYOTA TO SAN ANTONIO
WASHINGTON, DC -- Hailing it as a "historic day for Toyota, San Antonio, and the state of Texas," Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) welcomed the automaker to the Alamo City. Texas' senior senator planned to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new manufacturing plant, but was required to stay in Washington to work on President Bush's emergency funding request for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Senator Hutchison met with Toyota officials early and often, working to resolve their concerns about railroad rates and other issues to encourage Toyota to choose Texas over a number of other competing states.
"This new plant will mean great things for the people of San Antonio. Not only will it serve as an economic engine for the regional economy, it also sends a clear signal that the welcome mat is out and Texas is open for business," Senator Hutchison said. "I am proud to have helped bring Toyota to Texas and will keep working to ensure Toyota gets the best railroad rates possible as we build on this important partnership."
"Texas is a state that loves its pickup trucks," Senator Hutchison added. "It's no wonder Toyota decided to build its best-selling pickup here in the Lone Star State. To the Toyota Motor Corporation and the people of San Antonio I say, ‘Arrigato, gracias and thank you.'"
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