Governor Bredesen announces Grant for the Henry County Airport

Grant Awarded Through TDOT’s Aeronautics Division

Nashville, TN — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that a federal aeronautics grant in the amount of $135,000 has been approved for the Henry County Airport.

“Local airports are vital to the economy and travel system of Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “Investing in our airports helps them stay competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers. I’m pleased to support this investment in the Henry County Airport.”

Funds from this aeronautics grant will be used to refurbish a T-hangar at the 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,” reported TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “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.

Ronald Cooper is Chair of the TAC and explained, “These grants can have a significant impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions to our state. 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

Senator Roy Herron and Representative Butch Borchert represent Henry County in the Tennessee General Assembly and helped secure these funds for the Henry County Airport.