FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Information: Selena Shilad: (202) 550-2547 Stephanie Bosh: (202) 494-1860
January 28, 2010
Alliance Praises Formation of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus in U.S. Senate
Bipartisan Group of U.S. Senators, Led by Sens. Begich (D-AK) and Johanns (R-NE), Convenes First Official Meeting of Pro-General Aviation Group in the United States Senate
Washington DC– Today, the Alliance for Aviation praised Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) for their work in forming the Congressional General Aviation Caucus in the United States Senate as they held their first official meeting. The Caucus, already comprised of 23 Senators, was organized to recognize and support the important role General Aviation (GA) plays in our local economies and our national transportation system.
“In communities across the nation, local airfields and small aircraft often provide the best and most efficient means of transportation,” said Executive Director, Selena Shilad. “Small aircraft and airports used by businesses, farmers and individuals are a vital tool to bring emergency services such as transportation to medical facilities, search and rescue support and firefighting assistance to our citizens.”
Local airfields are centers of economic activity; they bring millions of dollars annually to rural communities and allow small businesses, and the jobs they create, to stay in these areas. The GA community also contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually and employs 1.2 million workers. Additionally, General Aviation also provides a vital link for farmers, businesses and communities to larger cities and markets around the world.
“More than ever, GA continues to provide communities with access to medical care, economic opportunity and emergency evacuation, as well as a host of other vital services and resources,” added Shilad. “We commend Senators Begich and Johanns for forming the GA Caucus in the Senate and urge all Senators to join this important new organization.”
Recently, the Alliance launched a national economic survey that profiles the role that GA plays in our nation’s economy, on a state by state basis. To learn more about the Alliance and the National Economic Impact Survey please go to www.aviationacrossamerica.org.
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 4,400 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
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