Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that aeronautics grants in the amount of $46,500 have been approved for 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.”

Funds from these aeronautics grants will be used for the relocation of the aviation weather operating system and a segmented circle and windsock.

“The Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge airport is an important part of this area’s economic development,” said Representative Richard Montgomery.  “I’m pleased to see the Governor and TDOT making this investment for our region.”

Representative Joe McCord added, “Our General Aviation airports provide an important first impression to many visitors.  These funds will help keep the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in top shape.”

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 Sevier County legislative delegation helped secure these funds for the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport.