Announces May As "General Aviation Appreciation Month" in
Washington State
Governor Christine Gregoire (D) (pictured, right)
signed a proclamation declaring May as "General Aviation
Appreciation Month" in Washington State Tuesday. The proclamation
outlines the critical role general aviation plays in business,
agriculture, emergency medical air-service, as well as to the
overall economy. General aviation contributes over 178,000 jobs and
approximately $3.18 billion in total economic impact to Washington
alone.
Governor Christine Gregoire said, "I am proud to sign this
proclamation recognizing May as "General Aviation Appreciation
Month" here in Washington. General aviation means good jobs,
business growth and access to medical care, disaster relief, law
enforcement, and a host of important resources to communities
across the state of Washington."
"Washington State has long recognized the value that general
aviation brings to the state?s economy across our diverse
communities. The Governor's Proclamation validates this
recognition. General Aviation airports are the backbone of the
state aviation system and a critical element of the state's overall
transportation system," said John Sibold, Aviation Director at the
Washington Department of Transportation.
"We applaud Governor Gregoire's recognition of the importance
of general aviation to not only Washington, but the entire nation,"
stated Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for
Aviation Across America. "General aviation provides thousands of
small towns and rural communities across Washington and the country
access to medical and emergency service, business, and other
crucially needed resources. We look forward to continuing to work
with the Governor to highlight the benefits of this vital
industry."
Ed Bolen, National Business Aviation Association president and
CEO, welcomed Gov. Gregoire's proclamation. "It is great to see
Washington join other states in recognizing the value of general
aviation to their communities and economies," he said. "Business
aviation supports more than a million jobs, provides a lifeline to
cities and towns with little or no airline service, helps companies
of all sizes be more efficient and productive, and supports flights
to help people and communities in times of crisis."
"General Aviation is critical to Washington's economy and
quality of life," said Craig L. Fuller, president and
CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. "This year's
spirited discussion on aircraft taxes in Olympia brought home to
all of us the importance of grassroots efforts spreading awareness
of the value of aviation to Washington. The pilot community
appreciates Governor Gregoire's recognition of how General Aviation
serves Washington State every day, and pledges to continue its
commitment to work with the State in promoting GA."
"America's network of community airports are critical to
sustaining the 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact
generated by general aviation nationally," said Henry Ogrodzinski,
President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials.
"With over 140 public-use airports in the state of Washington
alone, businesses, manufacturers, and emergency personnel can
access nearly every corner of the state in mere hours. We commend
the Governor for taking this important step, thank her excellent
state Aviation Division, and look forward to continuing to work
with her on supporting a strong general aviation industry in
Washington."
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