Governor Bredesen Announces Aeronautics Grants for Tri-Cities Regional Airport
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Aeronautics Grants in the amount of $98,000 have been approved for Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
“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. “The Tri-Cities Regional Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”
Funds from these aeronautics grants will be utilized to conduct studies for a new fuel farm site and for new Emergency HVAC equipment at the concourse check in.
“This airport is vital for many residents and businesses in northeast Tennessee,” said Representative Nathan Vaughn. “I appreciate Governor Bredesen and TDOT for recognizing the importance of Tri-Cities Regional Airport to this region’s economy and for making this investment.”
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey added, “The Tri-Cities Regional Airport is often the first impression visitors have of northeast Tennessee, so it’s important to ensure that our airport is kept up to date. I’m pleased to see this investment in Tri-Cities Regional.”
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. “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.
Representatives Jason Mumpower and Jon Lundberg also represent the Tri-Cities in the General Assembly.
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Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT PIO
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us
615-741-9930