2020 Wyoming Aviation Economic Impact Study
Results of a recent economic impact study show that the Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport supports 339 jobs and generates $34,611,900 for the state and local economy, confirming the importance of the Airport as an economic engine and its positive impact on the community.
Conducted by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, to update a similar 2013 report, the Statewide Economic Impact Study determined that the economic activity generated and supported by aviation in Wyoming increased from $1.4 billion in 2013 to $2.0 billion in 2020. Aviation in Wyoming supports 9.5% of statewide employment resulting in nearly 27,600 jobs.
The Statewide Economic Impact Study took a deep dive into the impacts of aviation and airports across the state with a focus on the state’s 34 airports with paved runways. The value of airports, including that of Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport continues to grow: 2013 2020 Visitors 27,277 29,274 Employment 300 339 Payroll $9,167,740 $11,653,800 Spending $21,812,360 $22,958,100 Local/State Sales Tax Revenue $1,261,320 $1,253,010 Annual Economic Activity $33,122,920 $34,611,900
To recognize the important role that aviation plays in attracting and maintaining economic vitality, the report measures the total economic impact of both the airport and its users. The report describes the direct impact from the airport, its businesses and visitors’ spending, and subsequent multiplier effects on businesses that hire employees and purchase goods from other businesses and from employees who spend their earnings locally. The report’s data was based on extensive airport, business, and visitor surveys.
Airport Interim Director Todd Chatfield said “This study shows the value of our local airport to our surrounding communities. Airports have a significant role as a driver and facilitator for our local and state economies. Studies like these show that a strong calibration between airports and local communities greatly enhance travel, trade, investment, and tourism just to name a few.”
The Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport supports a wide variety of passengers including commercial and general aviation users. SkyWest Airlines/United Express offer daily round trip flights to Denver and Flightline LFS, provide general aviation services supporting business users including Basin Electric Power and Kroger/Smith Food and Drug, Wyoming Neurologic Associates and Premier Bone and Joint. Additionally, the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have both used the airport for aerial firefighting. When fires are active, the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) base at the airport becomes operational. During the summer and fall months, agencies are active at the airport for weeks at a time. By supporting this activity, the airport provides an important service for the area property owners. The airport is also served by several air ambulance operators including Guardian Flight, Air Life, Billings Clinic Med Flight, Air Methods and Medical Air providing airlift services for patients needing advanced medical services or trauma care. The airport supports national and international tourism for those coming to visit the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, the Black Hills, Yellowstone, hunt our abundant wildlife or fish in our fresh lakes and streams. Without the air access provided by the airport for both the commercial airline and general aviation visitor, travelers could choose to vacation elsewhere