Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Winchester Airport
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 $1,000,000 to the Winchester Airport in Franklin County to assist with improvements to that 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 be used to help fund land acquisition for the airport.

“This airport is a contributing and growing factor in our regional economic picture“, added Senator Jerry Cooper. “We need to help it meet the transportation needs of the future.”

“General aviation airports are an asset for many rural Tennessee communities,” said Representative George Fraley. “I’m pleased the state could join this effort.”

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.