Topeka ? Kansas airports support more than 47,000 jobs, generate $2.3 billion per year in payroll and produce $10.4 billion in economic activity, according to a study released Wednesday.

Lt. Gov. Troy Findley speaks Wednesday during an event at Topeka's Philip Billard Municipal Airpot. The state released a report that said Kansas airports employed 47,000 people with a payroll of .3 billion and economic activity of 0.4 billion.

The $337,000 study — funded mostly by the Federal Aviation Administration — assessed the impact of the state’s 132 general aviation airports and eight commercial airports.

“Whether moving goods, providing emergency assistance or connecting our communities, airports play a critical role in the Kansas economy,” said Lt. Gov. Troy Findley.

Lawrence Municipal Airport employs 96 people with a payroll of nearly $3.6 million per year, producing an annual economic output of $10.7 million, the report said.

Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Deb Miller said the study will enable officials to better plan for future airport needs.

The new state transportation plan includes $3 million per year for airport improvements, which will increase to $5 million per year in 2013.

On Wednesday, KDOT also announced 25 airport grants worth $1.3 million. In northeast Kansas, airports in Atchison, Sabetha and Topeka received funds for facility improvements.