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Governor LePage Declares April 2012 as General Aviation Appreciation Month
March 9, 2012
For Immediate Release: March 9, 2012
Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531
AUGUSTA - Governor Paul LePage issued the following proclamation declaring April 2012 as General Aviation Appreciation Month:
WHEREAS, general aviation and community airports play a critical role in the lives of our citizens, as well as in the operation of our businesses and farms; and
WHEREAS, the state of Maine has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions, aviation organizations and community airports and airport operators; and
WHEREAS, Maine is home to 68 airports, of which 36 are publicly-owned, serving 2,682 pilots and 1,837 general aviation aircraft; and
WHEREAS, annually, the state of Maine invests approximately $20.5 million into its airports, generating $1.5 billion in economic return; and
WHEREAS, general aviation provides almost 400 jobs statewide with an annual payroll of $12.3 million including indirect jobs and supports 2,400 jobs in the state with a combined payroll of almost $40 million; and
WHEREAS, the total economic output from the state?s general aviation airports is approximately $521 million per year or $405 per capita and more than 130,000 visitors to Maine arrive via general aviation aircraft each year; and
WHEREAS, general aviation plays a vital role in the State?s response to emergencies and natural disasters; rescue operations such as LifeFlight and Air Ambulance, in addition to Police, Warden, and Mail services routinely utilize general aviation to support daily operations and communication; and
WHEREAS, Maine is home to 23 charter flight companies, 12 repair stations, 1 fractional provider, and 14 flight schools, in addition to 23 fixed-based operators in the state; and
WHEREAS, organizations like the Maine Airport Manager?s Association, the Alliance for Aviation Across America, National Business Aviation Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, and National Air Transportation Association recognize and promote the interests and importance of aviation in Maine and throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, many communities in Maine depend heavily on general aviation and community airports for the continued flow of commerce, tourists, and visitors to our State.
NOW THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim April, 2012 as
GENERAL AVIATION APPRECIATION MONTH
throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance."