Governor Announces Grant for Charles W. Baker Airport in Millington
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $342,000 to Charles W. Baker Airport in Millington to assist with improvements to the facility.

“Our general aviation airports serve as important hubs for businesses operating in the state, for shipping, and as reliever airports for larger flight centers,” said Bredesen. “They are a key component to our transportation system and need to be kept up to date.”

The grant will assist with utility expansions and upgrades and land acquisition.

“Baker Airport is just ten miles from downtown Memphis and operates a charter service,” said Senator Jim Kyle. “It’s an important element of our West Tennessee air transportation system.”

“This grant will make a significance difference in the airport’s ability to compete and to sustain business,” added Representative Larry Miller.

“The need for more transportation options is increasing and grants like these help meet that need,” stated Representative Ulysses Jones.

The grant is made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Aeronautics Division.

“TDOT’s Aeronautics Division administers federal and state funding to assist in the location, design, construction and maintenance of Tennessee's diverse public aviation system,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “The division’s work represents more than just airports, it is commerce. The economic impact aviation creates for our state is substantial.”

The grant is administered by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC), which is a five member board charged with grant appointments, policy planning and with regulating changes in the state airport system plan.
“We take our duties very seriously,” reported TAC Chairman Fred Dettwiller. “These grants can have a profound impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions.”

The TDOT Aeronautics Division also has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 118 heliports and 83 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes all aircraft not flown by commercial airlines or the military. The Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government executives, staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, and numerous educational support programs. The division's offices include Administration, Finance & Grant Management, Engineering & Program Development, Flight Services, and Planning & Programming.

The Shelby County Delegation also represents the Memphis area in the Tennessee General Assembly.