Estimating the Regional Economic Significance of Airports

The United States has the world's most extensive airport system. The system is essential to national transportation, and there is a large Federal investment in it. However, most public airports are owned and operated by units of local government. Public airports must compete for funds with other governmental activities. They are scrutinized during budget preparation and may be the subject of public debate, particularly if major improvements or new construction are anticipated. They may even be the target of proposed restrictions aimed at limiting aircraft noise levels. In such instances, the future of an airport is determined primarily through the local political process. It is important that the public and their representatives appreciate the economic significance of airports if they are to continue to support them. This report is designed to assist analyses of the economic importance of airports. It is not intended for use in financial feasibility studies or cost/benefit analyses. Rather, it provides information that the average citizen may find useful when the current and future role of an airport is being discussed. One objective is to encourage a standard approach to the measurement of the economic significance of airports.