Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Winchester Municipal Airport

Grants awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that state and federal aeronautics grants in the amount of $214,000 have been approved for Winchester Municipal Airport.

“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. “Winchester Municipal Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system.  I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”

State funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for the relocation of fuel farms, while federal funds will be used for the construction of a terminal building.  The federal grant utilizes federal Vision 100 funds, which are federal dollars provided to TDOT’s Aeronautics Division through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Block Grant Program. Through this program airports can apply for funds of up to $150,000 a year.

“It’s important to keep our airports in top shape so they can grow and expand the services they offer this community,” added House Transportation Committee Vice Chair George Fraley.

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.