The Daily Times

McGhee Tyson Airport will receive $206,313 in federal and state aeronautics grants to conduct a wildlife hazard study and to upgrade the facility’s environmental control system.

The money is part of $3.2 million in grants for 11 Tennessee airports for infrastructure and other improvements. Gov. Phil Bredesen announced the grants Thursday.

“From moving people to moving freight, the airports in Tennessee are vital pieces of the state’s overall economy and travel system,” Bredesen said.

“Tennessee’s airports are often the front doors to our communities, welcoming visitors from across the globe, so it’s important to keep them up to date in order to stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of both businesses and travelers.”

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,” TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said.

“We are pleased to be able to provide millions of dollars each year for the betterment of our airports through these grant programs.”

Except for routine expenditures, grant applications are reviewed by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC), a five member board charged with policy planning and with regulating changes in the state airport system plan.

TAC Chair Fred Culbreath said, “As Tennessee’s communities continue to grow, the airports must keep pace. These grants are vital to many airports in Tennessee and our board examines the applications carefully to ensure 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 Blount County and Knox County legislative delegations helped secure these grant funds for McGhee Tyson Airport.

Other airports that received grants: Cleveland Municipal, Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge, Greeneville-Greene County, Mark Anton Municipal, Millington Regional Jetport, Nashville International, Savannah-Hardin County, Sumner County Regional, Tullahoma Regional and Whitehurst Field.

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