Colorado measuring economic clout of aviation

Aviation’s contributions to a state’s economy travel far beyond airports’ boundaries, supporting business, facilitating tourism, and ensuring the everyday well-being of local communities.

In Colorado, the state’s Division of Aeronautics is asking airport users to participate in its research for a 2013 Economic Impact Study for Colorado Airports. The report will measure the use of, and reliance on, components of the state’s air transportation system. Members are encouraged to take the online survey as provided below.

A 2008 study found that Colorado’s general aviation and commercial airports acted as “major economic catalysts” to produce beneficial effect trending higher since the state began tracking the statistics a decade earlier.

That report found that GA airports in Colorado created 15,438 jobs, generating payrolls exceeding $540 million. The statewide economic impact of that activity amounted to more than $1.35 billion.

Those effects marked the return on the continuing investments from a statewide system of 76 public-use airports funded by a fuel tax program that AOPA considers to be one of the best such programs in the country, said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of airports and state advocacy. More than $40 million of aviation fuel tax revenues is returned annually to public airports as direct reimbursements that help fund airport operations and maintenance, as well as capital projects.

By participating in the 2013 study, members can ensure that the voice of GA is heard, and that the most accurate possible information will inform state officials and the public about the importance of a strong state aviation infrastructure.

Share your story of how Colorado’s aviation system benefits you, and help officials produce their 2013 economic impact report by clicking here to take the online survey.