State grant to fund airport repairs

Gov. Phil Bredesen announced on Friday that an aeronautics grant of $12,500 has been awarded to Shelbyville Municipal Airport.

"Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee's transportation network," said Bredesen in a news release. "I can't stress enough the importance of not only maintaining these facilities, but also making sure they can continue to serve the changing needs of their communities. I'm pleased to support continued growth at Shelbyville Municipal Airport."

"The funds from this grant will be used for emergency repairs to the roof of the hangar," said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy in a news release. "It is important that our local airports be kept up to date, so that they can remain competitive in the field of aeronautics. I am pleased to see Governor Bredesen and TDOT providing these needed funds."

"Shelbyville Municipal Airport is vital to our community," added State Rep. Curt Cobb. "This grant will help ensure that we maintain this important transportation link to Shelbyville."

The total cost of the project is estimated at $25,000.

Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely explained that the grants are made available through the department'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 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.

"These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state," said TAC Chairman Lonnie Strunk. "Our board examines the applications carefully to ensure that the funds will be put to good use."

The TDOT Aeronautics Division is responsible for inspecting and licensing the state's 126 heliports and 75 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes any aircrafts not flown by commercial airlines or the military. The Aeronautics Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government executives, staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, and numerous educational support programs. The division's offices include Administration, Finance & Grant Management, Engineering & Program Development, Flight Services, and Planning & Programming.