Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle issued a proclamation dubbing July 26 through Aug. 1 “Wisconsin Aviation Week.” The move coincides with EAA AirVenture, where pilots from across the world converge on Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis., to camp out under aircraft wings, mingle with fellow aviators, attend safety and maintenance forums, and watch spectacular aerobatic performances.
“It is only fitting that we recognize the impact of aviation during one of the largest aviation events in the world, EAA’s AirVenture, which takes place here in Wisconsin,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “The governor’s proclamation highlights what a critical impact general aviation has on Wisconsin’s economy, and that of the rest of the nation.”
In his proclamation, Doyle recognized that the state’s 132 public-use airports and 148 heliports are key to business and helped facilitate transportation of more than 94 million pounds of cargo in 2009. Aviation and airports also “generate almost $3 billion in economic activity and support more than 41,000 jobs, which provide over $1 billion in personal income to Wisconsin residents,” the proclamation stated.
“Aviation not only drives Wisconsin’s economy,” the proclamation continued, “it improves our overall quality of life by providing vital emergency medical transpiration, enhancing public safety by assisting law enforcement, and transporting leisure travelers to their destinations quickly and safely.”
In addition to the proclamation, Doyle also expressed his support for GA at a governor’s policy conference July 21 in Seattle during a meeting with AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Greg Pecoraro.
