Comprehensive Study Finds Airports Support 124,000 Jobs Statewide

Governor Deval Patrick visited Bridgewater State University’s Aviation Training Facility located at the New Bedford Regional Airport to announce the results of a comprehensive statewide airport economic impact study that finds Massachusetts public airports generate $11.9 billion in economic activity and support approximately 124,000 jobs. After touring the training facility, Governor Patrick proclaimed the month of November as “General Aviation Month.”

“Infrastructure investments just like these create jobs and improve public safety,” said Governor Patrick. “New Bedford Airport is one of many great examples of the importance of aviation facilities to our economic strength.”

The Statewide Airport Economic Impact Study completed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration measured the total economic impact of the 39 public-use airports in Massachusetts, including Boston Logan International Airport. The airports’ $11.9 billion in economic activity and 124,000 related jobs reflects commercial airline service, military aviation, emergency law enforcement and medical transport activity and general aviation.

The Administration’s investments in state airports also includes a $7 million grant awarded by MassDOT’s Aeronautics Division to the city of New Bedford to help support its ongoing $17 million New Bedford Regional Airport runway safety project, which is also supported by federal funding. The project began in 2010 with completion expected in 2013.

“The MassDOT Board of Directors’ investment in the New Bedford Airport is literally an investment in the regional community and the strong working relationships with airport tenants such as the Bridgewater State Aviation Training program,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. “New Bedford Regional Airport is an economic engine for southeastern Massachusetts, with an annual economic output of $26 million.”

“The funds supporting this project in New Bedford will improve safety for all aviation users, including the Bridgewater State University flight instructors and the student pilots,” said Christopher Willenborg, MassDOT Aeronautics Division administrator.

The Bridgewater State program established in 1981 offers a four year Bachelors of Science in Aviation Management that includes flight training. Currently, there are approximately 140 students in the aviation management program.

The MassDOT Board of Directors in the past two years has approved additional infrastructure investments in the Commonwealth’s airports, including a $13.4 million grant for runway extension and safety at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport and $13.1 million toward a new terminal building at Barnstable Municipal Airport, in addition to annual ongoing airport maintenance improvement projects statewide.

Related posts:

1. Patrick-Murray Administration Approves 23 New Massworks Infrastructure Program Projects To Support Job Creation
2. Knowledge Corridor Revitalization Project Means New Jobs and Economic Growth for New England
3. Maine Study Finds Unhealthful Foods Pervasive
4. Governor Patrick Highlights Impact Of American Jobs Act On Massachusetts Bridges
5. $169 Million Supplemental Budget Bill Promises to Create Hundreds of Jobs and Provide Local Aid to MA Communities

Short URL: http://www.newenglandpost.com/?p=7907

Posted by jcashman on Nov 16 2011. Filed under Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry