Governor Bredesen Announces $2 Million in Grants for McGhee Tyson Airport
Grants awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that aeronautics grants in the amount of $2,058,975 have been approved for McGhee Tyson Airport in Blount County.
“As our communities grow and thrive, it is increasingly important that our airports stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of travelers,” said Bredesen. “McGhee Tyson Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system. I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”
Funds from these aeronautics grants will be used to pave an access road, construct a maintenance center and pedestrian access sidewalk, purchase protective clothing and solid tires for jet bridges, replace airfield lighting regulators, terminal doors, and sliding doors, and rehab water distribution in the garage.
The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division.
“McGhee Tyson Airport is a major contributor to the economic development of our area,” said Representative Joe Armstrong. “As visitors fly into our airport they can enjoy the breath-taking views of the Smokies. We need to keep the airport facility in top shape so that we continue to show off the best of east Tennessee the minute our visitors touch the ground.”
Representative Harry Tindell added, “This is an important investment in our region’s largest airport. I’m pleased to see the Governor and TDOT supporting these improvements at McGhee Tyson Airport.”
“As our region grows, it’s important to ensure that our airport is keeping pace,” said Representative Doug Overbey. “These funds will help improve access to McGhee Tyson Airport.”
“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 Larry Mullins 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. Senate Transportation Committee member Jamie Woodson also helped secure these funds for McGhee Tyson Airport.