Nov. 17, 2016
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is the latest state executive to recognize the value aviation, including business aviation, brings to his state.
“The Texas aviation industry is critical to our economy and way of life. It brings families together; transports business executives to important meetings; delivers essential cargo; provides life-saving medical evacuation, police search and rescue, utility grid and oil pipeline inspections and border protection and it helps control pests that can wreak havoc on farmers’ crops,” Abbott wrote.
Texas is home to more than 300 airports and more than 27,000 registered aircraft.
“The long history of the aviation industry in our state and its economic success today continue Texas on its path as a leader for our nation,” Abbott wrote. “In recognition of the importance of aviation to our society, the month of November has been designated as a time to acknowledge this industry.”
In addition to a state-wide proclamation, the following Texas cities and towns also issued proclamations this month:
- View the Abilene proclamation. (PDF)
- View the Kerville proclamation. (PDF)
- View the San Marcos proclamation. (PDF)
- View the Wichita Falls proclamation. (PDF)
Alaska
Valdez, AK Mayor Ruth Knight recognized general aviation in November, stating, “Many communities in Alaska depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists and visitors to our communities.”
Idaho
Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport has an “immense economic impact” on Moscow, ID, Mayor Bill Lambert wrote in a proclamation, adding that general aviation contributes more than $1.1 billion to the state’s total economic output.
Indiana
Mayors in Elkhart and Fort Wayne, IN also issued statements about the value of general aviation this month, noting the state is home to 115 public-use airports, which serve 9,684 pilots and 3,675 active general aviation aircraft. General aviation airports in Indiana have an economic impact of $5.9 billion annually.
Minnesota
Cloquet, MN Mayor Dave Hallback said general aviation in Minnesota contributes more than $5.3 billion annually to the state’s economy. “The city of Cloquet in the state of Minnesota has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations and community airports,” the proclamation reads.
Nevada
Mayors of Carson City, Reno and Winnemucca, NV each issued proclamations this month, touting the value of general aviation. Nevada is home to 49 public-use airports, which serve more than 6,800 pilots and more than 2,200 active general aviation aircraft. General aviation airports in Nevada contribute more than $275 million annually to the state’s economy.
- View the Carson City proclamation. (PDF)
- View the Reno proclamation. (PDF)
- View the Winnemucca proclamation. (PDF)
To date, hundreds of lawmakers from around the country – representing all 50 states – have issued proclamations about the industry.