Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport

Thursday, February 14, 2008 | 06:00pm
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $15,000 has been approved for Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevier County.

“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 Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for roof repairs to a hangar.
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 Sevier County Delegation helped secure these grant funds for the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport.

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Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT PIO
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us
615-741-9930
 
 

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