The airports in the Shenandoah Valley generate more than $100 million for the local economy.
That's according to a new report released by Governor Bob Mcdonnell.
The study looked at how many jobs all of Virginia's airports provide and how much they help other businesses.
It found that the Shenandoah Regional Airport in Weyers Cave gives jobs to 252 people and impacts the local economy by $26 million a year.
Greg Campbell SHD says the most important thing the airport provides is not only access for the community but for businesses and industry, which is important to continue economic growth and development through out the Valley.
Campbell says, "Our situation is kind of unique because the airport was strategically placed between the three cities, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg. Not just that but the jobs it provides, everything from the employers that are there, the airlines, the rental car companies, the flight schools, the airport itself, and the construction projects we undertake."
Campbell also says most businesses won't even consider relocating to an area unless it has at least a regional airport.
The study says the Bridgewater Air Park" has an even bigger economic impact, estimated at $85 million a year.
It doesn't offer commercial flights but it's the headquarters for Dynamic Aviation which does surveillance, bug spraying, and aerial firefighting.
The study says the Air Park provides 565 jobs in the Valley, and the study mentions three other airports in the Valley.
It says the New Market airport provides 17 jobs and brings $2.6 million to the local economy.
The Luray Caverns airport has 23 jobs and more than $1.4 million in economic impact.
Waynesboro's Eagle's Nest airport provides 13 jobs and boosts the economy by $1.1 million a year.
Source: http://www.whsv.com
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