Says Many Don't Realize The Value Of General Aviation

In a rare case where a politician isn't dumping on general aviation or threatening to close down another airport, Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania announced last Friday the investment of $5 million to help 12 airports with improvement projects to expand and improve terminals, runways, and hangars.

The grants range from $50,000 toward the initial engineering study for a multi-tenant property for Bradford Regional Airport up to $1.6 million for terminal area improvements at Harrisburg International Airport. Most of the rest goes to building and improving hangars for general aviation aircraft in other Pennsylvania counties.

"The capital investments in these airports will help stimulate local economies and provide better service for customers," Governor Rendell said. "The enhancements and expansions allow the airports to attract and increase corporate, commercial and private aircraft activity, which will help generate revenue and job opportunities."

The Governor said that many Pennsylvanians are unaware of the economic impact of local, general aviation airports. Aviation is responsible for 288,000 jobs, and contributes $5.6 billion a year in payroll and $12.6 billion to the economy.

FMI: www.governor.state.pa.us