By: Janice Wood
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Alliance for Aviation Across has noted that four out of every five US governors, 40 in total, have signed proclamations recognizing the value of aviation to the nation and their state economy. The majority of those proclamations, 29 in total, have specifically recognized the general aviation.
The general aviation industry not only supports over 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact, but these aircraft and the airports they utilize are lifelines to many rural communities, supporting health care, disaster relief, law enforcement and a host of other important services and resources.
Most recently, Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington and Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada recognized this important industry by designating June as “General Aviation Appreciation Month” and “Aviation Appreciation Month” respectively.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to educate the public and raise awareness about general aviation,” stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America. “It demonstrates that there is a growing understanding around the country by governors and other local officials who understand the critical importance of general aviation and local airports for the economy and rural communities throughout their state.”
In addition to these proclamations, Governors John Lynch of New Hampshire, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, C. L. “Butch” Otter of Idaho, and Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota have all sent letters to President Obama outlining the important role of general aviation to the national and local economies, as well as the need to protect this industry from burdensome taxes. In addition, just this February more than 100 mayors sent a letter to President Obama highlighting the critical importance of general aviation and local airports to their local communities.
Listed below are the states that have passed proclamations:
• Georgia
• West Virginia
• Alaska
• Vermont
• North Dakota
• Arkansas
• Tennessee
• Washington
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Wisconsin
• New Mexico
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• Minnesota
• Texas
• North Carolina
• New Hampshire
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Mississippi
• Colorado
• Illinois
• South Carolina
• Florida
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Delaware
• Montana
• Virginia
• Idaho
• Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts
• Louisiana
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• New York
• Maine
• Indiana
• Nevada
• Washington
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 5,900 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues. For more information: AviationAcrossAmerica.org
Source: GENERAL AVIATION NEWS
Date: 2012-06-26