Airport drives dollars to region

PORTAGE TWP. — The Erie-Ottawa International Airport recently announced the release of updated economic impact data from the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation. The state study, part of the Ohio Airport System Plan update, highlights the airport's role as a vital economic engine for Erie and Ottawa counties and the surrounding region, generating substantial annual economic output, supporting local jobs and boosting regional tourism and business commerce. According to the latest figures compiled through the office of aviation's updated statewide airport assessment: • Total economic output — The Erie-Ottawa International Airport accounts for $97.3 million in total annual economic output for the local and regional economy. • Job support — The airport supports 379 direct, indirect and induced jobs across aviation operations, hospitality, logistics and airport-tenant businesses. • Payroll impact — Total annual payroll tied to airport operations and visitor expenditures stands at $27.9 million. • Visitor spending and tourism: Flights arriving via the airport drive $4.6 million annually into local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, marinas and regional attractions across Erie and Ottawa counties and the Lake Erie shores and islands region. The study evaluated many factors, such as operational impacts, local capital improvement projects, on-site tenant activity and visitor spending. Officials said recent infrastructure upgrades at the airport — including runway enhancements, expanded capacity and modernized lighting and navigational equipment — have positioned the facility to accommodate growing general aviation traffic and business travel demand across the Great Lakes corridor. These figures "validate what we see at the airport every day," airport director Clay Finken said. It "is far more than a local aviation hub: It is a primary catalyst for economic vitality across northern Ohio," he added. "Whether supporting regional manufacturing logistics, facilitating tourism to the Lake Erie Islands and the many incredible nearby attractions or serving emergency medical and military flights, (the airport) continues to deliver high-return investments for our local community."