Aviation View Jan 2023

99 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 stone. People could solo a glider and be flying a plane before they get their driver’s license.” Belding points out that development of the airport is of critical importance to this rural community which, like many others, is seeing a decrease in population. Over the last decade, the population of Greene County has shrunk by 7.1%. Although the coal industry is being replaced with natural gas production to some extent, the local economy will continue to be impacted by declining coal production. “The airport offers opportunities,” Belding concludes. “We want to reverse the trend and diversify the economy so that we do not have to raise property taxes or limit services. The airport can be an economic driver itself, but I think its place as a promoter and educator for our community is key.” “We want our young folks to be able to learn here and travel outside the county - but we GREENE COUNTY A I RPORT (KWAY) our impact. learn more at waynesburg.edu Our students are thinkers and doers. Six out of seven days a week, you’ll find them serving in the local community. From volunteering at the Salvation Army in Greene County to helping women in the Dominican Republic develop entrepreneurial skills, our students grow though serving others. Freshman students participate in a service project during orientation. Extraordinary growth leads to extraordinary things. Photo credit: Gerard Schleicher