Statement of Governor McDonnell on Settlement Between MWAA and Former Board Member Dennis Martire

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement on the agreement on the terms of a settlement between the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and former board member Dennis Martire.

"Today, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and former board member Dennis Martire reached agreement on the terms of a settlement that put to an end the months of unnecessary and costly litigation between the parties regarding the Governor's decision to remove Martire for cause as a board member of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. The full MWAA board considered and approved the terms of the confidential settlement agreement at its meeting earlier today.

Mr. Martire today announced his resignation as a member of the MWAA Board, effective at MWAA's October 17, 2012, and confirmed his resignation in a letter received this morning. The Governor's newly appointed member will be seated after the October meeting. The Governor is pleased that all parties agreed to immediately stop the litigation and pursue dismissal of Martire's lawsuit and MWAA's action, both with prejudice. We are happy to put this unnecessary and expensive distraction behind us and look forward to continuing to improve the accountability of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. We will continue to press for positive changes that are in the best interest of the taxpayers of Northern Virginia and all who rely on the critical transportation infrastructure MWAA manages. The Governor will ensure his appointed Board members are dedicated to finding ways to improve efficiency, cost control, and customer service for all our citizens."

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