Aviation in Kansas has an ally in its state legislature; elected officials are working together to ensure that Kansas aviation stays strong. A bipartisan coalition awarded airports 25 grants, totaling $1.3 million, to focus on airport development, airport and pilot safety, and airport maintenance. These grants came from an original pool of 74 grant applications, totaling $16 million.
Additionally, a recent study revealed that airports in Kansas generate more than $2.3 billion in payroll, support more than 47,000 jobs, and create $10.4 billion in economic activity. Funded by the FAA, the study involved measuring the economic activity of Kansas' 132 general aviation airports and eight commercial airports.
“During a difficult financial time in Kansas, state policymakers made tough decisions to protect general aviation,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of airports and state advocacy. “They have demonstrated that they understand the importance of GA and of protecting this vital aviation infrastructure.”