Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for McGhee Tyson Airport

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $300,000 has been approved for McGhee Tyson Airport in Blount County.

“Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee’s transportation network,” said Bredesen. “I can’t stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I’m pleased to support continued growth at McGhee Tyson Airport.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used to upgrade the airport’s vehicle storage facility, replace access control gates, and upgrade the environmental control system.

The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’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 TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We are pleased to be able to provide millions of dollars each year for the betterment of our airports through our grant programs.”

Except for routine expenditures, 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.

TAC Chair Belinda Anderson explained, “Our board examines the applications carefully to ensure that the proper state and local matching funds are in place and that the grants will be put to good use.”

The TDOT Aeronautics Division is responsible for inspecting and licensing the state’s 126 heliports and 75 public/general aviation airports. The Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government and staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission.

The Knox County Delegation worked to secure these funds for McGhee Tyson Airport.