Indy Airport ‘Punching Way Above Our Weight Class’

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe executive director of Indianapolis International Airport says a new economic impact study shows the airport is more than a travel hub, "it’s an economic engine." Mario Rodriguez says the estimated $5.4 billion economic impact, an $830 million increase from the last study in 2012, reflects the strength of the region. "If you look at the entire report," Rodriguez tells Inside INdiana Business, "it’s good news. There isn’t one area of the report that tells us we’re heading in the wrong direction."
Rodriguez says the results can be a valuable tool. He says the study can be used to lobby for more federal funding. "We had an incredibly good push on The Hill in the last couple of years and we’ve tripled the amount of federal funds that we’re getting, but it’s still a miniscule amount compared to the economic output that this place has. The economic output is phenomenal compared to the amount of money that we get from the feds. So, in other words, it’s a good investment," Rodriguez said. He says economic development and government leaders can use the figures in their efforts to attract businesses, jobs and talent.
The Indianapolis airport supports nearly 22,600 jobs and the results from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute suggest that for every $1 generated by the airport, another $1 is generated in Marion County. "If you look at the economic impact, compared to the size of the facility, we’re punching way above our weight class," Rodriguez said.
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Indianapolis International Airport Executive Director Mario Rodriguez says the results can be a valuable tool. He says the study can be used to lobby for more federal funding.