IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rob Kulat
Kulat Communications
(732) 219-5816 (office)
(201) 207-0554 (cell)
NEW JERSEY AVIATION ASSOCIATION UNDERWAY
NJAA To Be The Voice Of New Jersey Aviation
The New Jersey Aviation Association, representing the $1.8 billion State aviation industry took wing on October 5, 2000 at a State House press conference.
Thomas D. Carver, President of the Association, said the group was formed to protect and promote the interests of the multi-faceted industry as a key component of New Jersey’s intermodal transportation system. “We intend to increase the awareness of the positive economic contributions, including the approximate 100,000 jobs the industry provides to New Jersey” Carver said. He and other officials spoke under the NJAA banner, which proclaimed the association as the “Voice of New Jersey Aviation”.
“New Jersey’s airport system is under continuing threat, as development throughout the state continues at virtual break-neck speed,” Carver noted. He said that many of the State’s primary and secondary airports were located originally in rural areas. “In many cases, the communities have grown dramatically and new residential areas now border many of these facilities,” he said.
“We are fully cognizant of the concerns of many of the communities, which host these aviation facilities. A major function of our mission will be to balance the legitimate concerns of both the towns and the industry,” he said.
The Association President said it was imperative that aviation and airport community issues be analyzed from factual rather than emotional perspectives. He cited A-2332, a bill recently conditionally vetoed by Governor Christine Todd Whitman as a classic example. A-2332 would authorize the Commissioner of Transportation to purchase development rights at private or county owned airports to ensure that such properties remain part of the airport. A provision of the sale contract would guarantee that the facility would remain an “unrestricted public use airport” in perpetuity. “This legislation is a step in the right direction,” according to Carver.
“There are 48 private and public use airports in the State. They provide jobs and economic opportunities for the people of our state,” said Carver.
He cited Teterboro, Trenton-Mercer and South Jersey Regional as examples. “According to a 1996 study done under the auspices of the State DOT, Teterboro produces over $459 million for the Bergen County economy on an annual basis.
South Jersey, in Burlington County produces $16.5 million while Trenton-Mercer’s output is $217.9 million,” Carver said. “The potential at Trenton-Mercer is tremendous. If Southwest Airlines commences operations at Trenton, that airport will drive prosperity for the Trenton Capitol and Central Jersey region,” Carver stated.
“Each airport is a unique economic tool. Our mission is to keep them functioning while working with the various communities and citizens groups to minimize any real or perceived negative impact,” Carver stated.
The NJAA Board of Directors is comprised of numerous companies including Honeywell, Johnson & Johnson and Lucent as well as airports such as Trenton-Mercer, Morristown and Woodbine, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and various aviation service and vendor companies.
Assemblyman Alex DeCroce (R- Morris) who sponsored A-2332, said he welcomed the Association as a needed information and lobbying source for the important aviation industry. “This is a statewide industry which is critically important to the New Jersey economy,” DeCroce stated. “Now the legislature, future administrations and the general public will be able to work with a single unit to address the many issues surrounding the future of aviation in the State,” he noted.
New Jersey Aviation Association
1 Airport Road, Morristown, NJ 07960-4651
Phone: 973 734 9994 - Fax: 973 734 9995
