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

State of Tennessee Announces Grant for Covington Municipal Airport
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—The State of Tennessee announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $54,500 has been approved for Covington Municipal Airport in Tipton County.
 
Governor Phil Bredesen has emphasized his belief in the importance maintaining and improving Tennessee’s airports.

“As our communities continue to grow and thrive, it becomes increasingly important that our airports stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of the travelers who use them,” said Bredesen. “Covington Municipal Airport is vital to this region’s economy and travel system, and I’m pleased to support its continued growth.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used to conduct survey work at the facility.

“This grant will allow Covington Municipal Airport to fund some much needed work,” explained Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh. “I thank the Governor and TDOT for making this investment in our community.”

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 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.