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| Date: | October 22, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR JOHN CARLSON TO RECEIVE AWARD FROM
RECREATIONAL AVIATION FOUNDATION |
St. Paul -- State Senator John Carlson (R-Bemidji) is to be honored with a plaque from the Recreational Aviation Foundation for his efforts in leading the charge in the Senate to revise the Recreational Use Statute (RUS). RUS statutes allow landowners to offer other pilots the use of airstrips on their private land provided that no charge is made.
“By including aviation in the new statute, this initiative will put dozens of private airstrips on the map—making them useful to the general flying public—and increasing air transportation within the state. These strips will enhance access to recreational areas within the state—including the remote Northwest Angle. This increased access will multiply vacation opportunities, create jobs, help residents by providing fast cargo capability and allowing for aeromedical access.”
As a result of the changes in the RUS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation—Division of Aeronautics has committed to funding an airport on the Northwest Angle—subject to a final request by the Lake of the Woods County Commissioners. In Southern Minnesota, the Four Daughters Winery and Restaurant in Spring Valley has opened up their private strip to fly-in customers as a result of the RUS bill.
Senator Carlson, in addition to Representative Dave Hancock who championed the legislation in the House, will accept the award from Kirk Hilner of the Recreational Aviation Foundation. The event will be held in the main conference room at the Bemidji/Beltrami Regional Airport at 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 24. Members of the press, industry officials and the public are all invited to attend.
“This is what a jobs bill looks like and we are witnessing firsthand its impact on Minnesota’s small businesses. I am very proud to have carried this bill in the Senate and will always stand up for Minnesota’s job creators.”
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