Bredesen Announces $12.9 million in Grants for Nashville International Airport
Grants awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that Aeronautics Grants in the amount of $12,975,000 have been approved for Nashville International Airport.

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

Funds from these aeronautics grants will be used to make several improvements at the facility.

"The Airport Authority appreciates the continued support of Governor Bredesen, the State Aeronautics Board, the Department of Transportation, and the Davidson County legislative delegation," said Raul Regalado,
President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. "These grants will assist us in upgrading the access control system and making essential operational and safety improvements to a taxiway at Nashville International Airport (BNA), which plays a vital role in the region and the state's economic development efforts."

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.

The Davidson County legislative delegation worked to secure these funds for Nashville International Airport.