Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for New Tazewell Municipal Airport

Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that a federal aeronautics grant in the amount of $300,000 has been approved for the New Tazewell Municipal Airport in Claiborne 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 New Tazewell Municipal Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system.  I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for the construction of new T-hangars at the airport.  The grant is provided through federal Vision 100 funds, which are federal dollars provided to TDOT’s Aeronautics Division through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Block Grant Program.

“This is an important investment in the future of New Tazewell Municipal Airport,” said Senate Transportation Committee member Mike Williams.  “I’m pleased the Governor and TDOT are providing these funds for improvements at this 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.