Whereas, Michigan’s aviation history is associated with the great technological developments in national and international air transportation, including the building of the first metal aircraft, the first commercial air service, and the many contributions of Henry Ford and his son Edsel B. Ford; and,

Whereas, The aviation industry is vital to the State of Michigan, and in 2005, it provided more than 2 billion in annual income to state residents and 7.6 billion dollars demand for goods and services statewide with 236 public airports, 18,610 licensed pilots, and 7,000 registered aircraft; and,

Whereas, Aviation has a major impact on virtually every sector of our economy, including health and medical, agriculture, manufacturing, travel and tourism, and retailing; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services has a long history of serving the needs of pilots, airports, and their customers with the mission statement to “develop and preserve a safe, high quality statewide air transportation system”; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Aviation Association will celebrate the economic importance of Michigan airports to the community, state, and nation during a 9 airport tour during the weekend of September 7-10, 2006, including:  Sault Ste. Marie, Sanderson (KANJ), Newberry, Luce County (KERY), Manistique, Schoolcraft County (KISQ), Escanaba, Delta County (KESC), Houghton/Hancock, Houghton County (KCMX), Iron Mountain, Ford (KIMT), Ironwood, Gogebic-Iron County (KIWD), Ontonagon County (KOGM), and Marquette, Sawyer International (KSAW); and,

Whereas, Events of recent years have reminded us that personal and business flying represents the freedoms and the responsibilities that Americans cherish and defend; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 9, 2006, as Michigan Aviation Week.