Shelbyville airport receives state grant

An Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $95,660 has been approved for the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation [TDOT] Aeronautics Division.

Funds from the aeronautics grant will be used for an addition to the airport's existing apron [ramp]. Last month, the Shelbyville City Council gave approval for the mayor to execute a state grant application for construction of the new apron for a new maintenance hangar.

"Our airports are a vital piece of Tennessee's transportation network," said Bredesen. "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 the Shelbyville Municipal Airport."

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

"The funds from this grant will be used for a much needed addition at this facility," said Senator Jim Tracy. "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."

On Thursday, the council authorized a motion to execute a contract to start construction of the hanger. Airport manager Hank Williamson said last month that the current space used for maintenance is just 60 foot by 60 foot and too small to handle all the work that is to be done at the facility.

The project began with Vision 100 money, which could be used for building the ramp for the hangar, but the funds for the hangar itself would come from the city, which has already been budgeted. The city's part of the hangar project will be $70,000 and Shelbyville's contribution to the state grant will be $8,600. The total cost for the hangar is $635,235.