Missouri State Senator Mike Kehoe (shown at right) was presented the first ever Friend of Aviation Award during an April 16th banquet at the Spring Conference of the Missouri Airport Managers Association (MAMA) at the Lodge of the Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Missouri.<\/p>\n
Senator Kehoe\u2019s accomplishments include being appointed to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in 2005 and serving as Chair in 2009. He was elected in 2010 to the Missouri Senate representing the 6th District, now covering the counties of Cole, Gasconade, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan and Osage. He is a strong advocate for transportation serving on the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committees, and on the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight. Senator Kehoe is also active on several civic, military veteran, and charitable efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cMike has always been very supportive and open to issues impacting Missouri airports,\u201d said Brian Weiler, incoming MAMA President and director of the Springfield airport. \u201cAnd, he has worked tirelessly to advance the need for increasing investment in Missouri\u2019s total transportation system, including highways, rail, ports, transit, and airports.\u201d This award was developed to recognize individuals that have made a significant contribution to support Missouri aviation.
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\nIn his remarks, Senator Kehoe said he was honored to accept this award, \u201cMissouri\u2019s public airports, both big and small, provide a valuable service to the areas they serve and are important to our state\u2019s future economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
A recent statewide economic impact study done by MoDOT calculated that the state\u2019s nine commercial service and 99 public use general aviation airports directly and indirectly generate $11.1 billion in annual output, and support over 100,000 jobs. This economic contribution was 17% higher than a study done a decade prior, which shows strong growth.<\/p>\n
MAMA is an organization comprised of administrators and operators of public use airports in Missouri. We provide a voice on issues impacting airports and offer professional development opportunities for members through education and networking.<\/p>\n