County Officials Commend State Legislators on the Establishment of Aviation Caucus

ALBANY, NY (10/26/2010)(readMedia)-- At its Fall Conference, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), which represents the elected and appointed county officials throughout the state, adopted a resolution to commend the members of the State Legislature that have taken decisive action to help insure the future growth of the aviation industry in New York.

The resolution recognizes the leadership of Senator William Stachowski, Assemblyman Robin Schimminger and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, in creating the "New York Legislative Aviation Caucus." The mission of the Caucus, with an initial membership of 56 legislators (now 61) from both parties and from all regions of the state, is to promote the goals of the state's airport owners, managers and aviation industry players, as represented by the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), to restore industry competitiveness and promote New York's aviation economy and concomitant job creation.

"The importance of state investment in maintaining and developing aviation facilities to provide essential air service, general aviation support and enhanced homeland security cannot be overstated," said Carl Beardsley, President of NYAMA. "It is indeed proper that NYSAC recognize those legislators who have demonstrated, in such a constructive way, their support for NY's aviation industry," Beardsley stated.

NYSAC adopts resolutions at its Fall Conference that become its policy positions and agenda going forward and are used to educate the Governor and Legislature as to the priorities of county government.

The resolution says in part:

"Many neighboring and nearby states provide other competitive advantages for their airports and aviation industries thereby putting New York State at a significant disadvantage with respect to attracting private investment and encouraging businesses to base aircraft within the State."

The resolution supports the Caucus leaders' successful advocacy to reform New York State's sales tax exemption for general aviation (GA) maintenance and repair operations that has, since its enactment in 2004, made this state more competitive with other surrounding states and contributed to a significant gain in New York in aviation maintenance and repair activities as well as enhancements in the level of state-and locally-taxable associated business.

The resolution urges the Caucus to "foster competitive equality with neighboring states and to position New York State aviation businesses to better attract new investment, create jobs, and support communities."

NYAMA President Beardsley is grateful to NYSAC for joining with NYAMA in helping to advance the establishment of the NY Legislative Aviation Caucus. Aviation is an economic engine contributing over $35 billion in annual economic activity and approximately 350,000 New York State jobs.

"The creation of the Caucus sends the right signals to investors and businesses that New York intends to reestablish itself as the preferred location in which to base aircraft and expand airport operations," Mr. Beardsley concluded.

NYAMA represents over 120 airports and aviation organizations across New York. Our diverse membership includes small general aviation airports as well as large hub airports and aviation professionals from all walks of life. NYAMA has been the Voice of Aviation in New York for almost 35 years.