State of Tennessee Announces Grant for Tri-Cities Regional Airport

Nashville, TN—The State of Tennessee announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $92,000 has been approved for the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Governor Phil Bredesen has emphasized his belief in the importance maintaining and improving Tennessee’s airports.
“As our communities continue to grow and thrive, it becomes increasingly important that our airports stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of the travelers who use them,” said Bredesen. “The Tri-Cities Regional Airport is vital to this area’s economy and travel system, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”
Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for the demolition of the airport’s former rental car facility.
“Residents and businesses rely on this airport daily, so it’s important to keep it in top shape,” said Representative Nathan Vaughn. “I thank Governor Bredesen and TDOT for making this investment.”
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey added, “The Tri-Cities Regional Airport is often the first impression visitors have of northeast Tennessee, so it’s important to ensure that our airport is kept up to date. I’m pleased to see this investment in Tri-Cities Regional.”
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 Belinda Anderson 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.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and the Sullivan County Delegation worked to secure these funds for the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
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