The airport in Piedmont is one of those places few area residents think about. The flying community in the area is rather small. However, the airport has a large impact on the area’s economy.
A report, prepared by the Missouri Department of Transportation, was presented to the Piedmont City Council Tuesday, Nov. 12. The report was an economic impact study on the local airport which was resurfaced this summer with money from a grant.
The Piedmont airport is one of 99 publicly owned, public use general aviation airports in the state. Missouri also has nine commercial service facilities.
The report shows that four jobs in the area have been created because of the airport. The jobs have a total payroll of $144,000. The total ouput (measure of the value of goods, services and capital expenditures) of the local airport is $207,000.
The airport, which is owned by the city, is located along the Black River in the Piedmont Industrial Park. It has one asphalt runway that is 3,300 feet long.
According to MoDOT, the airport serves as a gateway to outdoor enthusiasts. It is used by visitors to Clearwater Lake, Black River, St. Francis River, Sam A. Baker State Park, and the Mark Twain National Forest. Frequently, golfers fly in to play at the Piedmont Canyon Club. The airport is also used by people who fly in to participate in canoeing excursions.
The airport is used by area corporations, for flight training, and for recreational flying. MoDOT said that BHP Aviation and Knickerbocker Group are among the companies that rely on the airport to transport staff, equipment, and goods in and out of the region. The airport is also used by the Missouri Department of Conservation in its environmental patrols.
While in the region, many visitors stay at local resorts, motels, and bed and breakfasts, according to MoDOT. This further stimulates the economy.
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