Documentation on why regional airports like Gardner Municipal Airport help the Economics of the Greater Gardner Area
The Gardner Municipal Airport is located in Templeton, MA on land owned by the City of Gardner. It recently received millions in grants to fund brand-new runways and more. So what’s the big deal, what can an airport do to help the community? We have some facts below and AUDIO of the recent Gardner Airport Commission from 2-7-24 is right here. Progress at the airport is discussed. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Airport has a big impact: To quote Aviation Pros “Some tend to overlook a significant economic driver for many less-populated areas of the country – regional general aviation airports. While these airports are small compared to those found in major cities, their economic impact is extremely significant. In fact, the general aviation industry generates $219 billion in total economic input and contributes $109 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product. The airports support 1.1 million jobs and allow America’s smaller communities to attract business and tourism.” Here’s the complete article, CLICK HERE.
To quote RAA News: ““The main finding is that small community air service generates a significant amount of economic activity in the U.S.,” Bill Swelbar, chief industry strategist for Delta Airport Consultants and the lead researcher for the Economic Impact of Small Community Airports study, told RAA’s Regional Horizons. “The numbers are pretty compelling. [Air service] is a really important driver of economic activity and jobs.” There are 570 small community airports in the U.S., and air service to these airports generates $134 billion of economic activity in the respective communities, according to the study. In addition, the 570 small community airports create 1 million jobs that generate $36 billion in wages and commensurate tax revenue to the states and communities that receive commercial air service. Here’s the complete article:
Research from North Carolina State University about the critical role general aviation airports play in driving economic growth, investment, jobs, and tourism. CLICK HERE:
From theMunicipal.com: The article documents the advantages of a municipal airport. CLICK HERE:
From Vox.com about how commercial air service facilitates economic growth: CLICK HERE:
A lesson on how airports help local communities prosper from ACKO.com CLICK HERE
From the New Hampshire Municipal Association about how local airports offer many benefits to New Hampshire residents: CLICK HERE.
From the FAA: FAA Support to Rural Communities including an explanation of the Airport Improvement Program, CLICK HERE.
And a lengthy report from over 30 years ago from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimating the regional economic significance of airports. We have it available here in pdf format, CLICK HERE.