Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for McGhee Tyson Airport

 

NASHVILLE—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that aeronautics grants in the amount of $855,000 have been approved for the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville.

 

“Our local airports are vital to the economy and travel system of Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “Investing in our airports helps keep them competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers. I’m pleased to support continued improvement at McGhee Tyson Airport.”

 

Funds from the aeronautics grants will be used for drainage improvements and a communications infrastructure master plan.

 

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 continue to support Tennessee's general aviation and commercial airports."

 

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.

 

Ronald Cooper is Chair of the TAC and explained, “These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state. Our board carefully reviews all applications for grant funds 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.

 

The Knox and Blount County legislative delegations helped secure these funds for McGhee Tyson Airport.