For Immediate Release:
November 28, 2007
  Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
 Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093
    Print News Release

Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Warren County Airport
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $90,000 has been approved for Warren County Airport.

“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. “The Warren County 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 for land acquisition and related services.

“It’s important for our airports to keep pace with the growing needs of our communities,” said Senator Jerry Cooper. “I’m pleased to see the Governor and TDOT providing these funds to assist with the growth of this airport.”

Representative Charles Curtiss agreed, “This airport is an important link for the day to day operations of many businesses in our community. It’s important to keep it in top shape.”

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. "These grant programs provide millions of dollars each year to local airports for needed improvements."

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.

Representative Judd Matheny also helped secure this grant for Warren County Airport.