Governor Bredesen Announces Aeronautics Grant for McGhee Tyson Airport

Nashville, TN — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $48,700 has been appr oved for McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville.

“As our communities continue to grow and thrive, it becomes increasingly important that our airports stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of the travelers who use them,“ said Bredesen. “McGhee Tyson Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.“

Funds from the grant will be used to replace stone pavers at the terminal entrance.The grant is 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. “These grant programs provide millions of dollars each year to local airports for needed improvements.”

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 has the responsibility of 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 and Blount County legislative delegations helped secure these grant funds for McGhee Tyson Airport. ### Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT PIO
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us
615-741-9930