KSBW Channel.com, CA
WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Watsonville Municipal Airport contributes about $12 million a year to the Santa Cruz County economy, according to a new study.
Approximately 200 people have jobs based at the regional airport, according to the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments study.
The jobs are held by pilots, mechanics, flight instructors, restaurant workers, airport administrators and employees of nonaviation businesses and public agencies based at the 330-acre airfield. Another 329 jobs are created by worker and airport-visitor spending.
That generates a significant sum, about $35 million annually, said Todd Muck, AMBAG’s senior transportation planner.
“I’m pretty lucky,” said pilot Mark Poteete, who flies for one of the 12 local companies that park corporate jets at the airport. “It’s the best of both worlds. I get to live here, a great place to live, but I also get trips to places like New York and Montana.” ———
