Governor Bredesen Announces Grant for Dyersburg Airport
Grant awarded through TDOT’s Aeronautics DivisionNashville, TN—Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that the state will provide an Aeronautics Grant in the amount of $27,686 to the Dyersburg Regional Airport in Dyer County to assist with improvements to that facility.
“Our general aviation airports serve as important hubs for businesses operating in the state, for shipping, and as reliever airports for larger flight centers,” said Bredesen. “They are a key component to our transportation system and need to be kept up to date.”
“This grant will be used toward the purchase of special security lighting for the airport,” said House Transportation Chairman Phillip Pinion. “Keeping our airports safe is a number one priority.”
“This is an expanding airport that is playing an increasingly important role in our region,” added House Finance Chairman Craig Fitzhugh. “I’m pleased the state could help with this effort.”
The grant is made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 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.
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.
“We take our duties very seriously,” reported TAC Chairman Fred Dettwiller. “These grants can have a profound impact on the future of a general aviation airport and its economic contributions.”
The TDOT Aeronautics Division also has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 118 heliports and 83 public/general aviation airports. General aviation includes all aircraft 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.