Governor Bredesen Announces $500,000 in Grants for Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that federal and state aeronautics grants totaling $500,000 have been approved for the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevier 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. “The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system. I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”
State aeronautics grant funds totaling $350,000 will be used for the construction of an access road on the airport property. The airport will also receive $150,000 in federal Vision 100 funds for construction on a terminal building. Federal Aviation Administration Vision 100 funds are federal dollars provided to TDOT’s Aeronautics Division through the FAA’s Block Grant Program.
“It’s important to show the many visitors to our area a warm welcome from the moment they set foot in our community,” said Representative Doug Overbey. “These funds will help with improvements to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, which is a vital front door to our region.”
Representative Joe McCord added, “I’m pleased to support this important investment in the continued growth of Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport.”
“This investment will help the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge airport keep pace with the changing needs of our community,” said Representative Richard Montgomery.
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. “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.