Roy Criss
515-239-1689
roy.criss@dot.state.ia.us
Presence of general aviation airports shown to
influence corporate
location decision
AMES, Iowa – A recent study by researchers from Washington
State University found local airports are key to bringing industry to rural
America. The researchers produced a white paper that revealed when a
corporation is looking to locate to a new community, advance scouts for the
company would not even consider a community unless “the airport box is
checked,” meaning there is a local airport. The full report is available at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/Airports/RuralAirportsStudyPublicCo.pdf In Iowa, companies such as Winnebago and Manley Toy Direct
have positioned their facilities near small community general aviation (GA)
airports. This evidence, plus testimonials from business people from other
industries, provides compelling proof that a healthy local airport can be a
rural community’s best economic engine. The findings in this white paper also support conclusions
reached in an economic impact study commissioned by the Iowa Department of
Transportation last year that calculated GA airports deliver $176 million in
economic value to rural Iowa. The study, conducted by David Swenson of Iowa
State University, also shows these airports directly or indirectly support
2,250 jobs. The study calculates total economic impact on a community by using
a “multiplier factor” that illustrates a dollar’s impact through circulation. A
summary of the Iowa State study is located at http://www.iawings.com/pdfs/econ_summary.pdf Everyone should take the opportunity to visit their local
airport and see first-hand the services it provides to the community. For more information regarding Iowa
airports, visit www.iawings.com. #