Arnold Palmer Regional Airport boosts the local economy by $226 million annually, according to a state study.

The 2019 state Bureau of Aviation update of its similar 2011 report shows the Unity airport’s impact has more than doubled since 2010 — when it pumped $97.5 million into the area, a year before Spirit Airlines began regular commercial flights from the airport to Southern destinations.

Another study placed the airport’s economic output at nearly $200 million, in 2015.

“All the development you see around the airport, it’s sort of like a snowball effect,” said Gabe Monzo, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, which operates the airport. “What the airport is doing, it’s like an incubator, as far as business is concerned.”

Located along Route 981 a short distance southwest of the airport, the Westmoreland County Airpark industrial park has 50 percent of its acreage sold or optioned, according to the park’s website.

Two hotels are located within sight of the airport, near the intersection of Route 981 and Route 30. While the Kmart store closed last year at nearby Mountain Laurel Plaza, other businesses, including a Starbucks and a mattress store, have opened in recent years along Route 30 east of the airport.

To help the growth trend continue, Unity Township officials are considering zoning amendments that would provide more flexibility for developing properties surrounding the airport.

The aviation bureau determines economic impact based on spending by visitors, businesses and government. Airport employees patronizing area businesses is another factor.

According to state figures, nearly 1,500 people are employed at Arnold Palmer Regional, drawing a payroll of $63.8 million. That compares to just 516, who earned $24 million, in 2015.

It costs another $1.8 million annually to operate the airport, according to Monzo. But, given the economic impact, he said, “you’re getting a much bigger benefit than you’re putting in.”

Earlier this year, the airport reached its 2 millionth passenger served since Spirit flights began in February 2011. As of August, that number increased by an additional 166,280.

The county authority’s other facility, Rostraver Airport, also has grown in economic impact — at more than $24 million, up from $20.4 million in 2015 — according to state figures.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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