June 20, 2017
General aviation, including business aviation, is a vital economic driver for towns and cities across the county, and this month a dozen more local officials issued proclamations in recognition of the industry’s importance to their regions’ companies and communities. To date, hundreds of local officials – from big cities and small towns from coast to coast – have issued similar proclamations.
Delaware
Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki said general aviation and community airports play a critical role in the lives of citizens, as well as the operation of businesses and farms.
“The city of Wilmington, DE has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations and community airports,” he wrote.
View the Wilmington proclamation. (PDF)
South Dakota
Five South Dakota mayors issued proclamations this month, noting: “General aviation not only supports South Dakota’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely.”
The state is home to 65 public-use general aviation airports, serving more than 2,200 active pilots. The aviation industry in South Dakota supports more than 7,000 jobs with an annual income of $250 million.
View a proclamation from Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Huron Mayor Paul Aylward. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Mitchell Mayor Jerry Toomey. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Watertown Mayor Steve Thorson. (PDF)
Washington
In Washington state, four mayors issued proclamations in June, highlighting the state’s 123 public-use airports, which serve 18,753 pilots and 7,249 general aviation aircraft. Airports in Washington support 248,000 jobs, a payroll of $15.3 billion and $50.9 billion in economic activity.
View a proclamation from Anacortes Mayor Laurie Gere. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Pasco Mayor Matt Watkins. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson. (PDF)
View a proclamation from Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz. (PDF)
Wyoming
Two mayors in the Cowboy State issued proclamations this month, noting the importance specifically of Yellowstone Regional Airport and Casper-Natrona County International Airport.
“The nation’s aviation infrastructure represents an important public benefit, and congressional oversight should be in place to ensure stable funding of this system,” the proclamation noted.
View a proclamation from Casper Mayor Kenyne Humphrey. (PDF)