| Grants OK’d for runway extensions |
By: AP
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Posted: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 9:02 pm
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NASHVILLE — Gov. Phil Bredesen announced Tuesday that aeronautics grants totaling $2.4 million have been approved for the Everett-Stewart Regional Airport in Obion County.
Funds from these grants will be used to extend existing runways.
“Our local airports are vital to the economy and travel system of Tennessee,” Bredesen said. “Investing in our airports helps keep them competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers. I’m pleased to support continued improvement at the Everett-Stewart Regional 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,” TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said. “We are pleased to continue to support Tennessee’s general aviation and commercial airports.”
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.
“These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state,” said Union City businessman and TAC chairman Ron Cooper. “Our board carefully reviews all applications for grant funds 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.
State Sen. Roy Herron and state Rep. Judy Barker helped secure these funds for Everett-Stewart Regional Airport.
Published in The Messenger 12.23.09 |
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