Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for McMinn County Airport

Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics DivisionNashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $1,261,700 to the McMinn County Airport to assist with improvements to that facility.

“Our general aviation airports serve as important hubs for businesses operating in the state, for shipping, and as reliever airports for larger flight centers,” said Governor Bredesen. “They are a key component of our transportation system and I am pleased to award this grant to the McMinn County Airport.”

“I’m pleased the state has chosen to make this investment at this time,” added Representative Robert McKee. “It will improve safety at the airport and make the airport more competitive.”

“This grant will be used to reconstruct a portion of the runway at the airport to correct the existing line-of-sight issue there,” explained Senator Jeff Miller.

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely explained that the grants are made available through the department’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 Nicely. “We are pleased to be able to provide millions of dollars each year for the betterment of our airports through our grant programs.”

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.

“We take our duties very seriously,” reported TAC Chairman Fred Dettwiller. “These grants can have a profound impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions.”

The TDOT Aeronautics Division also has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 118 heliports and 77 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes all aircraft not flown by commercial airlines or the military. The Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government executives, staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, and numerous educational support programs. The division’s offices include Administration, Finance & Grant Management, Engineering & Program Development, Flight Services, and Planning & Programming.