On July 1, Gov. Jay Inslee invited aviation representatives from around the state to attend a presentation that commemorated June 2014 as General Aviation Appreciation Month in Washington.
The July event took place at the governor’s office in Olympia with representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington Airport Management Association, Washington State Community Airports Association, Washington Pilots Association, Airport Owners and Pilots Association and Alliance of Aviation Across America in attendance.
In May, Inslee signed a proclamation naming June as General Aviation Appreciation Month. During the July presentation, Inslee highlighted the importance of general aviation to the state’s economy and transportation system, and lauded the efforts of WSDOT and the various aviation associations to preserve the state’s system of airports.
“We appreciate Gov. Inslee highlighting just how crucial an asset our aviation system is to our state,” said Tristan Atkins, WSDOT director of aviation. “Even though General Aviation Appreciation Month is now over, we are confident that people will continue to recognize the value and benefits that airports bring to us all.”
Washington is home to 134 public-use airports. The state’s aviation system supports 248,500 jobs, $15.3 billion in wages and $50.9 billion in economic activity annually. The proclamation highlights how general aviation, aerospace, aircraft manufacturing and other aviation activities contribute to Washington’s economic health and vitality.