The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently unveiled the Aviation Economic Impact Calculator that will allow airports to view the economic impact of potential facility updates and activities.
The tool will allow the state’s 120 public-use airports to calculate updated impacts based on changes in airport activity, business tenants, and visitor spending. It also produces estimates on things such as employment, payroll, and output.
“This new resource and this project are prime examples of the Shapiro Administration’s laser focus on growing our economy through transportation,” Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Pennsylvania’s aviation industry provides significant economic benefits and we’re pleased to help make it easier for them to plan for and increase their regional impact.”
The agency held an event at New Garden Flying Field in Chester County on Monday to launch the tool. It was attended by Carroll, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and Federal Aviation Administration representatives.
The location was selected because it recently completed a nearly $1 million terminal expansion project with the help of funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and an additional $1.6 million for aviation in the state’s 2023-24 budget.
A training webinar will be held on June 25 to give airports an opportunity to learn about the tool.