From: Kimberly Qualls [mailto:kqualls@ksdot.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:35 AM
To: Kimberly Qualls
Subject: KDOT News: Airports generates billions for state

 

Kansas Department of Transportation news release

Aug. 25, 2010                                                                                                10-079

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Contact: Ed Young, (785) 296-2553; Steve Swartz, (785) 296-3585, cell (785) 221-5615; stevesw@ksdot.org

 

Kansas airports generate billions in economic impact

Communities to benefit from pilot program grants

 

            Airports in Kansas support more than 47,000 jobs, generate $2.3 billion in payroll and produce $10.4 billion in economic activity.

            Those numbers are among the findings of the Kansas Aviation Economic Impact Study released today at an event at Topeka’s Philip Billard Airport. Also announced at the event were 25 grants for improvement projects at Kansas airports.

            The study, which was funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, assessed the impact of the state’s eight commercial and 132 general aviation airports. It focused on identifying economic benefits associated with the businesses and tenants that are located on each of the airports.

“Whether moving goods, providing emergency assistance or connecting our communities, airports play a critical role in the Kansas economy,” said Lt. Gov. Troy Findley.

 “That's why I was glad to see a bipartisan coalition in the Legislature recognize the need to invest in our infrastructure to maintain our airports and create jobs by funding a new transportation plan. Our administration will continue to support this important sector of the economy and the entire aviation industry.”

Transportation Secretary Deb Miller said the report, which quantifies the impact of airports on communities and the state, will provide important information as decisions are made about where to best invest public and private resources. The full aviation economic impact study can be viewed on the Kansas Online Community – KTOC – at http://ktoc.net/group_file.aspx?fileid=371ea80d918647dbb3f97e14fc072cf8.

Airport grants awarded

 The 25 airport grants totaling $1.3 million that were announced by Secretary Miller are part of a pilot program connected to the Kansas Airport System Plan completed last year. The plan was undertaken in order to determine where strategic investments are most needed.

“Under the pilot, we asked communities to submit projects that would help plug gaps in the Kansas aviation system that were identified in the strategic plan,” said Secretary Miller.

“It looks like that approach was well-accepted as we received a record 74 applications for projects totaling more than $16 million.”

The selected projects include a range of improvements such as communications upgrades, runway and taxiway repairs and installation of weather systems. Also funded is an airport feasibility study for the city of Greensburg.

Below is the list of communities receiving grants and the projects to be funded.

Northeast

Atchison – Self service fueling system; Sabetha – Airport development plan; Topeka-Billard – Airfield signage; Topeka-Forbes – Repair airfield pavements.

North central

Abilene – Upgrade automated weather observation system for internet; McPherson – Self service fueling system; Washington - Automated weather observation system.

Northwest Kansas

Oberlin – Replace aircraft fueling system.

Southeast

Eureka – Upgrade automated weather observation system for internet; Garnett – Replace and relocate fuel system; Pittsburg – Repair taxiways and install ground communications outlet.

South-central

Anthony – Replace fuel system and reconstruct taxiway; Augusta – Gutters for T-hangars and remodel pilot’s lounge; Great Bend – Replace lighting controller; Greensburg – Airport development plan; Harper - Automated weather observation system; Wichita-Riverside – Airport development plan; Wellington – Install ground communications outlet.

Southwest

Dighton – Airport development plan; Lakin-Kearny County – Seal runway and ramp; Leoti – Seal runways; Hugoton – Install ground communications outlet.

 

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 This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the Bureau of Transportation Information,

700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.