Washington, D.C. ? Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is scrapping a proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration that would make secret its data on when and where birds and airplanes collide.

Transportation Department spokeswoman Jill Zuckman said Wednesday that LaHood believed the public had a right to the information. The nearly 50 public comments in response to the proposal were overwhelmingly opposed to keeping that data secret, she said.

The Washington Post first reported LaHood’s decision.

FAA said in a statement released Wednesday that the entire database will be posted online Friday.

Until now, FAA officials had said it was necessary to keep specific information from the public because it might discourage voluntary reporting. The information could also be embarrassing to some airports with higher numbers of bird strikes.