Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Nashville International Airport
Friday, May 01, 2009 | 05:59am
Grants awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division
NASHVILLE—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Aeronautics Grants in the amount of $209,990 have been approved for Nashville International Airport.
“Our local airports are vital to the economy and travel system of Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “Investing in our airports helps keep them competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers. I’m pleased to support continued improvement at Nashville International Airport.”
Funds from these aeronautics grants will be used for design work on the reconstruction of a taxiway, relocate an aviation weather system and relocation and removal of FAA equipment.
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 continue to support Tennessee’s general aviation and commercial airports.”
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 Davidson County legislative delegation worked to secure these funds for Nashville International Airport.
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