Maine’s economy continues to grow, and once again that growth is being led by the aviation industry.

The latest example is great news for York County.

Pratt & Whitney recently announced expansion plans for its Wells Road manufacturing plant in North Berwick, following word that the company has been awarded a $1 billion jet engine contract. The 19,000-square-foot addition will be used for packaging and shipping engine modules.

North Berwick’s planning board has now given approval to the project.

So far, the company has not indicated whether the expansion would lead to more jobs in the area, but the news can only be seen as a positive development. It demonstrates that Pratt & Whitney is committed to solidifying its presence in southern Maine, and that reflects positively on the approximately 1300 people who work there.

I also believe it’s another example of an improving business climate in Maine that can be attributed to Gov. Paul LePage and Republican leadership at the State House. The Republican-led 125th Legislature eliminated the 5 percent sales tax on aircraft parts. That has led to unprecedented growth in Maine’s aviation industry in terms of the number of people employed and the amount of business being conducted here. According to Mainebiz, C&L Aerospace in Bangor has doubled its workforce in two years.

If we are going to continue to grow our economy, we need to continue to embrace policies that let companies know they are welcome and appreciated here in Maine. Pratt & Whitney’s planned expansion in Maine shows that we are heading in the right direction.

-Sen. Ron Collins, R-York