Whereas, Michigan’s aviation history is associated with the great technology 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, providing over 101,000 jobs with an economic impact of $9.4 billion statewide; with 243 public airports, 18,714 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 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 celebrates continued advancements in powered flight with a “Second Century Tour,” October 1 through 3, 2004, visiting eight of Michigan’s public use airports to advance the understanding of aviation and aviation safety, while highlighting the economic significance of local Michigan airports:  Howell, Livingston County Airport (OZW); Allegan, Padgham Field (35D); Fremont Municipal Airport (FKS); Cadillac, Wexford County Airport (CAD); Manistee County – Blacker Airport (MBL); Frankfort, Dow Memorial Airport (3D4); Gaylord, Lakes of the North Airport (4Y4); and Midland, Jack Barstow Airport (3BS); and,

Whereas, Events of recent years have reminded us that personal and business flying represent both 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 to hereby proclaim the week of October 1, 2004, as Michigan Aviation Week.