Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Dyersburg Municipal Airport
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $27,500 has been approved for the Dyersburg Municipal 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. “Dyersburg 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 for emergency repairs to the airport’s lighting system.

“I appreciate the efforts of Governor Bredesen and TDOT to secure these funds quickly,” said Representative Phillip Pinion. “It’s imperative that we keep our regional airports in top shape.”

“This airport is an integral piece of this region’s transportation network and I appreciate this important investment,” added Representative Craig Fitzhugh.

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.

Senator Mark Norris also worked to secure these grant funds for Dyersburg Municipal Airport.