Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
 Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093

Governor Bredesen Announces Grants for William L. Whitehurst Field
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $55,556 has been approved for William L. Whitehurst Field in Hardeman County.

“Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee’s transportation network,” said Bredesen. “I can’t stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I’m pleased to support continued growth at William L. Whitehurst Field.”

The funds from this aeronautics grant will be used for security fencing at the airport.

“It is vital that we keep our local airports in top shape,” said Senator John Wilder. “I’m pleased to see the Governor and TDOT providing these funds to William L. Whitehurst Field.”

Representative Johnny Shaw added, “I am pleased to have helped secure these funds for new security fencing at William L. Whitehurst Field. This is an important project for this vital local airport.”

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 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.

Representative Delores Gresham also helped secure these grant funds for William L. Whitehurst Field.