Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for General DeWitt Spain Airport
Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $50,000 has been approved for General DeWitt Spain Airport in Shelby County.
“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 General DeWitt Spain Airport is an important resource for the city’s citizens, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”
Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for security fencing and cameras.
“I’m pleased to see Governor Bredesen and TDOT committing these funds to enhance security at General DeWitt Spain Airport,” said Representative Barbara Cooper. “This is an important investment.”
The grant is 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 is responsible for 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 Shelby County Delegation worked to secure these funds for General DeWitt Spain Airport.
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Contact:
Julie Oaks
TDOT PIO
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us
615-741-9930