U.S. Secretary of Transportation touring Worcester's Airport, Union Station

(NECN: Katelyn Tivnan) – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood is getting a first-hand look at some key pieces of Worcester’s transportation system.

Monday, he joined city and state leaders to tour Union Station and the Worcester Regional Airport.

“Basically what I want him to understand is we've been using federal money wisely that resulted in great transportation developments but they've also been a catalyst for economic growth,” said Jim McGovern.

Secretary Lahood said the Worcester Regional Airport has a lot of potential but said it all comes down to location.

He said he will work with Massport to market the airport to air carriers.

The Secretary also said he will help address ways to increase access to the facility.

Congressman Jim McGovern and Lt. Governor Tim Murray say increased access could also mean increased public transportation to the airport.

McGovern said he wants to highlight the work being done to improve transportation in the city.

Eighty-percent of the money used to build the new WRTA hub at Union Station is federal funding.

McGovern said receiving that money is vital for future projects.

“I believe a city the size of Worcester needs an airport,” said McGovern. “Businesses look to locate somewhere there's a good transportation system.”

“It’s about jobs; it’s about leveraging private sector money and is growing the economy,” said Lt. Gov. Murray. “We've done that pretty well in central Massachusetts, but, like everything else, there’s still more work to do.”