Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Centerville Municipal Airport
Grants awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that aeronautics grants in the amount of $78,829 have been approved for Centerville Municipal Airport in Hickman 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. “Centerville Municipal 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 repair the runway and existing windsock electrical system and to replace the airport’s rotating beacon.
“I’m pleased that Governor Bredesen and TDOT are making these grant funds available,” said Senate Transportation Committee member Doug Jackson. “Much-needed improvements will be made to the Centerville Municipal Airport as a result of this grant.”
“This facility is important to the Hickman County region, and it is crucial that it is kept well maintained and up to date,” said Representative David Shepard. “I am happy to see funding provided for this important project.”
Representative John Tidwell added, “It is important that this airport remain competitive in the aviation industry, and this investment in the Centerville Municipal Airport will help make that happen.”
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.