Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for Tri-Cities Regional Airport
Nashville, TN� Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Aeronautics Grants of $3 million have been awarded to Tri-Cities Regional Airport in Sullivan County.
�Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee�s transportation network,� said Governor Bredesen. �I can�t stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I�m pleased to support continued growth at Tri-Cities Regional Airport.�
The grant funds will be used for property acquisition for an extension of taxiway �R�; terminal and air carrier ramp reconstruction; airfield markings; aircraft boarding equipment; wind cones pavement analysis; and a runway safety area (RSA) study to evaluate existing runway safety areas in relationship with FAA standards.
The total estimated cost of the projects is $3,147,800.
�Tri-Cities Airport is growing, and it�s important to continue to improve and maintain the airport,� said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. �These projects will help improve safety and operations at the airport.�
�I am pleased to see Governor Bredesen and TDOT providing these funds for improvements at Tri-Cities Regional Airport,� said Representative Nathan Vaughn. �This airport is vital to both businesses and travelers in this region and it is critical that we keep it up to date.�
Representative Jason Mumpower added, �These improvements will make this top-notch facility even better. I�m pleased to see this investment in Tri-Cities Regional Airport.�
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.�
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 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 is responsible for inspecting and licensing the state�s 126 heliports and 75 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes any aircrafts not flown by commercial airlines or the military. The Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government executives, staffing for the TAC, and numerous educational support programs. The division’s offices include Administration, Finance & Grant Management, Engineering & Program Development, Flight Services, and Planning & Programming.