New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, is receiving applause from national aviation organizations as well as the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), for declaring the month of May as Aviation Appreciation Month.
In a news release issued by the Alliance for Aviation Across America, Kim Stevens, Interim President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), said New York’s network of airports help connect companies, farms, patients and communities with necessary goods, services and businesses. “We thank Governor Cuomo and Aviation Bureau Acting Director Gerardo Mendoza for their work in highlighting the benefits of aviation, including general aviation, in New York.”
Ann Crook, Director of Aviation for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, and President of the NYAMA Board of Directors, said they have been working hard to make sure that New York lawmakers support this important asset to the state’s economy. “It is rewarding to see that Governor Cuomo has heard us and does respect the importance of aviation through this proclamation.”
Crook said that a couple of years ago New York State suffered a period of disregard for the aviation industry. “The state airport grant program was not funded and the NYSDOT Aviation Bureau was shrinking,” said Crook. “This sent a message to NYAMA and to our industry that New York legislators and state policy makers undervalued aviation.”
At NYAMA’s urging and with FAA funding support, NYSDOT released a New York State Economic Impacts of Aviation report at the end of 2011. This report demonstrated that the industry provides $50 billion in annual economic impact which equals nearly 5% of the total Gross State Product.
Crook also recognized State Senator William Larkin and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo who sponsored and had adopted by their respective houses resolutions supporting the Governor in the recent proclamation.
