General Aviation Appreciation Month 

WHEREAS, Lake Wales in the state of Florida has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations, and community airports; and 

WHEREAS, general aviation and the Lake Wales Municipal Airport have an immense economic impact on the City of Lake Wales; and 

WHEREAS, according to the 2019 Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study, general aviation in Florida generates an estimated $18.4 billion in business revenues to the state’s economy each year and supports more than 108,000 jobs and a payroll of $5.4 billion annually; and 

WHEREAS, general aviation not only supports Florida’s economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, investments in sustainable fuels and technologies, and investments in innovative experimental technology like Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely; and 

WHEREAS, these aircraft and our network of airports represent a national public benefit, and Congressional oversight should be in place of this system to ensure that it remains a public system and serves communities of all sizes; and 

WHEREAS, general aviation has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing an impact on operations, jobs, and dependent industries, sectors, and communities; and WHEREAS, general aviation stands to be at the forefront of the overall economic recovery; and 

WHEREAS, the United States faces a shortage of aviation professionals, leaders should invest in this critical infrastructure to ensure future economic growth and our next generation of aviation professionals and pilots; and NOW THEREFORE, I, Jack Hilligoss, Mayor of Lake Wales, do hereby proclaim general aviation a vital strategic asset to the City of Lake Wales and declare January as GENERAL AVIATION APPRECIATION MONTH in the City of Lake Wales.