One industry that has emerged in Texas as an economic contributor in an otherwise bleak time is general aviation, according to a guest column in the Waco (Texas) Tribune Herald by Roger Van Horn, mayor of Nacogdoches and a member of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.
He points to evidence in Waco, where Texas State Technical College recently received a $1.5 million federal grant aimed at promoting aviation-related jobs in the area. The money will help fund a new aerospace center of excellence and aviation-related programs, such as offering air traffic controller courses. While this could create many jobs as well as emphasize the economic impact the aviation industry has on the city and the state of Texas, there’s a problem:
“Unfortunately, this industry is being threatened by proposed usage fees. These added fees could prevent many businesses from using small aircraft, which could cut off vital services to many rural communities that are served only by small aircraft.
The industry also could face more detailed security procedures prior to takeoff, which could delay flights and frustrate many.”
Read his full editorial here.
