Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $249,000 to Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport to assist with improvements to the facility.

“General aviation airports are critical to the economic development of communities across the state,” said Governor Bredesen. “These airports provide quick access for businesses, serve as reliever airports for local flight centers and are important shipping hubs. In order to stay competitive these airports must be kept up to date.”

“These grant funds will allow Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport to begin designing a new terminal, as well as replacing lights on an existing taxiway,” said Senator Raymond Finney. “I’m pleased TDOT and Governor Bredesen are making this commitment to the continued growth of this airport.”

“It’s important to maintain our regional airports and keep them up to date,” said Representative Joe McCord. “The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is vital to our county’s economy and I am pleased to see this funding provided for these needed improvements.”

Representative Richard Montgomery added, “This is a vital investment in the transportation system of Sevier County. This is exactly the type of funding I hope to see the state continue to provide to our aviation industry.”

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely explained that the grants are made available through the department’s Aeronautics Division. “This Division administers federal and state funding to assist in the location, design, construction and maintenance of Tennessee’s diverse public aviation system,” reported Nicely. “We are pleased to be able to provide millions of dollars each year for the betterment of our airports through our grant programs.”

Grant applications are reviewed by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC), which is a five member board charged with policy planning and with regulating changes in the state airport system plan.

“These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state,” said TAC Chairman Lonnie Strunk. “Our board examines the applications carefully to ensure that the funds will be put to good use.”

The TDOT Aeronautics Division has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 126 heliports and 75 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes all aircraft not flown by commercial airlines or the military. The Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government executives, staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, and numerous educational support programs. The division’s offices include Administration, Finance & Grant Management, Engineering & Program Development, Flight Services, and Planning & Programming.