Oct. 13, 2016
West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is the latest chief executive to publicly endorse business aviation, calling for October 2016 to be General Aviation Appreciation Month in the Mountain State. He was joined in his declaration by proclamations from six mayors, representing towns across the state of West Virginia.
“With the state’s geography, large numbers of business and communities depend on general aviation aircraft for access to medical treatment, economic opportunity and communications,” Tomblin wrote. “West Virginia has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, the aerospace industry, West Virginia airports, aircraft manufacturing and repair stations and aviation education.
“West Virginia airports provide access for businesses and tourists to isolated areas, enabling businesses to remain part of the nation’s air transportation systems and connected to the world’s global marketplace,” he added.
General aviation in West Virginia supports 5,300 jobs in the state, resulting in $256 million in labor income. Additionally, general aviation contributes more than $1 billion to the state’s total economic output annually.
View the West Virginia proclamation. (PDF)
In addition to Tomblin, the following West Virginia officials issued proclamations:
- Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. View the Charleston proclamation. (PDF)
- Clarksburg Mayor Catherine Goings. View the Clarksburg proclamation. (PDF)
- Elkins Mayor Van Broughton. View the Elkins proclamation. (PDF)
- Huntington Mayor Steve Williams. View the Huntington proclamation. (PDF)
- Lewisburg Mayor John Manchester. View the Lewisburg proclamation. (PDF)
- Parkersburg Mayor James Colombo. View the Parkersburg proclamation (PDF)
Also this month, Albuquerque, NM, Mayor Richard Berry issued a proclamation about the value of general aviation.
“General aviation and the Double Eagle II Airport have an immense economic impact on the city of Albuquerque,” he wrote. View the Albuquerque proclamation. (PDF)
To date, hundreds of lawmakers from around the country – representing all 50 states – have issued proclamations about the industry.