Brad Sharlow: The 2045 State Long-Range Transportation Plan
will be a multi-modal effort that integrates all transportation modes, operators and users. 
In working through this, each mode has its own processes and challenges. 
Let’s hear from Mike Trout as he discusses aviation.
Mike Trout: Aviation is vital to Michigan’s transportation system. 
With its 236 public use airports, owned by both public and private entities, 
the state aviation system plays a crucial role in connecting people to goods and services. 
It also serves as a critical lifeline to and from rural communities, especially for medical and emergency needs. 
The role of airports in supporting the state’s economy, by efficiently moving people and goods, 
is key to the future prosperity of our citizens. The Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics 
has championed this effort by focusing resources to meet its mission 
“To support a safe and efficient statewide system of airports that promote economic development 
and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve.” 
MDOT has been an industry leader in aviation since its inception 
and is a model for other states in terms of innovation and service delivery. 
This reputation is one of the keys to successfully addressing the emerging challenges 
as part of a world class multi-modal transportation system.
In order to maintain a competitive advantage in the global economic environment, 
access to convenient and efficient air travel is essential.
While commercial airline services are often the most recognizable facet of aviation, 
the fact is that general aviation accounts for 97 percent of the nation’s airports. 
These airports support a variety of aviation activities that employ thousands of people 
and create millions of dollars in economic impact and benefit. 
Aviation, both commercial and general, is big business in Michigan. 
Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy.
Michigan airports serve over 37 million passengers each year.
And Michigan airports move over 500 million pounds of cargo.
And Michigan is in the top 10 nationwide for the number of registered business aircraft.
In spite of its importance to the economy and transportation system, 
the state aviation system still faces significant challenges with aging pavements, incompatible land uses, 
the loss of air service to small communities, and new general aviation security regulations, among other things.
Given limited resources, MDOT must strategically focus its long-range planning efforts on activities 
that most effectively respond to the policy framework established by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission 
and the governor. Priorities are a significant part of the funding decision 
that impact the organizational mission to support economic development and growth throughout Michigan, 
and represent the overall vision to invest the majority of available resources 
in the airports that respond to critical state airport system goals and objectives
identified in the Michigan Airport System Plan, thus driving the investment strategy. 
Prior efforts have identified the following priorities:
Emphasize meeting Michigan Airport System Plan development standards for airports serving business and population centers.
Utilize a process that distributes available funding balanced 
appropriately between preservation and improving or expanding the airports in the system.
Preserve the existing airport system infrastructure, primarily focusing on pavements, navigational aids, 
and airspace preservation.
And finally, invest in projects and programs that support air service for passengers and cargo, 
particularly in underserved markets.
This also includes reducing airport facility and system deficiencies by
maximizing federal dollars returning to the state,
leveraging local and private investments,
and providing a dedicated and adequate level of state funding.
As ongoing efforts to reinvent transportation emerge,
new priorities include integration with other modes of transportation, addressing environmental issues, 
and integration of unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles into the airspace system 
will impact decision-making in the next 20 years.
Whether through facilitating airline passengers at commercial service airports, 
accommodating corporate aviation at general aviation airports, 
or enhancing quality of life for residents and businesses in the state, 
aviation remains one of the key links to continued and future prosperity in Michigan.
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