For Immediate Release:
February 18, 2010
Contact: David M. Coriell (802) 828-3333
Governor Douglas Recognizes Vermont ’s Aerospace and Aviation Industry
Presents $30,000 Grant to Fund Initial Work on Burlington Aviation Technical Training Center
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today joined community and business leaders to celebrate the contributions of the aviation industry in Vermont at the Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association (VAAA) open house at the Burlington International Airport . The Governor read a proclamation declaring February “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month.” He also presented a check to officials from the City of South Burlington for $30,000 to fund preliminary work on a new Burlington Aviation Technical Training Center .
“The aerospace industry is an important supplier of good jobs in Vermont ,” said Governor Douglas. “I am proud to support the continuing evolution of the aerospace sector in our state.”
Aerospace and aviation continues to play an ever-expanding role in the Green Mountain State and generates nearly $2 billion in economic activity. In addition to aerospace companies like General Electric of Rutland, Vergennes-based Goodrich, and Burlington ’s General Dynamics, Vermont boasts two commercial airports and 16 public-use airports, as well as 1,350 pilots and 877 general aviation aircraft.
“The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that in Vermont, commercial aviation provides 9,369 jobs generating more than $257 million in wages and nearly a billion dollars in economic output,” Lt. Governor Brian Dubie said. “From building aircraft, to flying them and fixing them, this is an industry we need to grow.”
The VAAA is an adjunct of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and is committed to growing and promoting aerospace and aviation as key, high-growth sectors of the Vermont economy.
The $30,000 Community Development Block Grant to the City of South Burlington will assist efforts to build a technical school at the Burlington International Airport to train future aircraft maintenance workers. It will help pay for preliminary work on the planned center, including architectural services; civil design services; and permit applications and fees.
“It was in 2006 that Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, an airline pilot and former aerospace engineer, helped spearhead the formation of this association,” Douglas said. “Creating a training center will ensure that as the aviation industry grows and creates jobs here in Vermont, there is a qualified workforce locally.”
Vermont receives about $7 million annually in federal CDBG funds, which are used principally to benefit persons of low and moderate income, and awards the competitive grants based on recommendations of the Vermont Community Development Board and approval of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Kevin Dorn.
For information about the Vermont Community Development Program, please see the Agency of Commerce and Community Development website at: http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/VCDP/index.htm
David M. Coriell
Communications Director
109 State Street ¨ The Pavilion ¨ Montpelier , VT 05609-0101
Telephone: 802.828.3333 ¨ Fax: 802.828.3339 ¨ TDD: 802.828.3345
