Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Lebanon Municipal 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 $49,500 to the Lebanon Municipal Airport in Wilson County to assist with improvements to that facility.
“The Lebanon Municipal Airport, like our other general aviation airports, serves as an important hub for businesses operating in the state, for shipping, and as a reliever airport for larger flight centers,” said Bredesen. “These airports are a key component of the state’s transportation system and I’m pleased we can make this investment in Wilson County.”
“The funds from this grant will be used to relocate the Automated Weather Observation System which is a vital piece of equipment for the airport,” said Representative Kent Coleman.
“I’m thankful that TDOT and the state determined that this is an important project in which to invest,” Representative John Hood.
“The Lebanon Airport was first opened in 1933. It holds a lot of history for our area, serving the U.S. Army during WWII. And we have high hopes for its growth in the future,” added Senator Jim Tracy.
“I’m happy to have helped bring this grant to the Lebanon Municipal Airport and to Wilson County,” stated Representative Curt Cobb. “This is a good project.”
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.
“These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state,” said TAC Chairman Lonnie Strunk. “Our board examines the applications carefully to ensure that the funds will be put to good use.”
The TDOT Aeronautics Division also has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 118 heliports and 75 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.