Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has recognized the value of general aviation to his state by declaring June 2014 Colorado General Aviation Appreciation Month, the fourth consecutive year Hickenlooper has designated a month for GA.
The proclamation comes shortly after the governor signed a bill that will require marking towers below 200 feet to help protect pilots from unseen hazards, and just as the fiftieth state issued a similar proclamation. It cites GA airports’ $2.1 billion annual contribution to the state’s economy—$479 per capita—and that the industry sustains 22,650 jobs and a payroll of $750 million.
AOPA is actively involved in Colorado’s GA issues and works closely with the new Colorado General Aviation Alliance, Colorado Pilots Association, the Colorado Airport Operators Association, and others for the benefit of GA in the state. The association invites members in Colorado to thank Hickenlooper for his recognition of the importance of aviation, and invites members in states without a GA proclamation in 2014 to encourage elected officials to renew their appreciation of the industry.
