News

The following is a release from the Ohio Aviation Association announcing a much-needed Airport funding increase in the State Budget:

Last week Governor Kasich signed the state budget that secures an increase of $6,000,000 per fiscal year in the Ohio Airport Grant Program. While these funds will be limited to repair and repavement of existing runways and approach clearing, this still amounts to significant progress in our effort to restore Ohio’s status as a leader in aviation.

Thank you for your help in reminding the Ohio legislature that access to reliable airports in both commercial and rural settings is a major benefit for businesses looking to expand or relocate and that general aviation airports are critical to the state’s overall economic competitiveness. This increase would not have happened without your efforts as airport managers and industry leaders who met with legislators and hosted tours across the state.

We especially would like to thank Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), State Representative Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek), chair of the Ohio Aerospace and Aviation Technology Committee and State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) chair of the House Finance Subcommittee on Transportation, Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Senator Bill Beagle (R-Tipp-City). They truly understand how important it is to reinvest in our transportation infrastructure and how it generates revenue for the state in research and development, manufacturing and jobs.

Our attention will now turn to working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to make necessary changes to the Ohio Airport Grant Program so that these funds can be fully utilized to meet the needs of airports across the state. Ohio was once a regional and national leader in the aviation sector; our state license plates still bear the saying, “Birthplace of Aviation.” This new investment is one major step in helping Ohio to regain its status as a regional, national, and international leader in aviation and aerospace.

Sincerely,

Greg E. Heaton, P.E., AICP
OAA President