Gov. Gary Herbert has declared April as Aviation Appreciation Month in Utah, and in response the Logan-Cache Airport Authority Board stressed their benefit to the community during their last meeting.
At a board meeting Wednesday morning, Chairman John Kerr said many questions continue to arise about how much of an economic impact local airports have on their surrounding communities.
At the Logan-Cache Airport, he said, many companies utilize the airport on a regular basis, including UPS, which uses the airport daily for deliveries.
The airport generates over $170,000 in property taxes annually, he said, paid to the county, Logan city, and Logan City School District.
Local businesses that use the airport, he said, receive an estimated $2 billion to $5 billion on an annual basis according to the Utah Department of Transportation.
“Our airport has made Cache Valley a much more accessible place than it would be otherwise,” he said. “Businesses appreciate the convenience and services provided by our airport.”
Some businesses require airport services when looking for future locations, he said. The maintenance of the airport is an asset that cannot be over-emphasized, he said, because it allows for growth.
Board member Gar Walton said many local businesses rely on the airport. Over 78,000 take off and landings happen at the airport annually.
He read the declaration from the governor’s office, which stated why April is Aviation Appreciation month.
The economic impact of airports, he said, is substantial and it’s important for communities to understand that.
With a community event coming up in July, he said, it’s a good time for Cache Valley residents to come out to the airport and become aware of the importance of the airport to our community.
“Airports are extremely significant to our community,” he said, adding that he appreciates the designation for April.