Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for General DeWitt Spain Airport

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $70,000 has been approved for the General DeWitt Spain Airport in Shelby 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 General DeWitt Spain Airport.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for installation of a UNICOM Base Weather Station.

“Spain Airport offers many services that are important to the region, including a flight school. Business travelers utilize it because it’s just minutes from downtown. It’s important to keep this facility in top shape,” said Senator Jim Kyle.

“This grant is needed to upgrade the airport’s weather equipment,” explained Representative Barbara Cooper. “I’m pleased the state could assist with this project.”

Senator Ophelia Ford also thanked TDOT and Governor Bredesen for this important investment.
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.”

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.

“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.

The Shelby County Delegation also helped secure these grant funds for General DeWitt Spain Airport.