Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that aeronautics grants in the amount of $198,450 have been approved for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, or Lovell Field, in Hamilton 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. “Lovell Field 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 purchase safety equipment and tools, repair the maintenance building, purchase and install carpet in the terminal foyers and restrooms, replace terminal windows, purchase air packs, repair pavement and replace exterior lighting with TCP lights.
“When travelers step off the plane at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport we want them to have a great first impression of our city,” said Senate Transportation Committee member Andy Berke. “These funds will help improve the safety, function and look of the airport.”
House Transportation Committee member Vince Dean added, “This is an important investment in the future of Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. I’m pleased to see the Governor and TDOT providing these funds to support the continued growth of the airport.”
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.
The Hamilton County legislative delegation worked to secure these funds for Lovell Field.