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Steering committee forwards resolution urging congressional funding for Smyrna-Rutherford County airport tower
Summary
Former state representative Robert Stevens asked the steering committee to send a resolution to the County Commission asking Congress to appropriate funds to replace the 72-year-old air traffic control tower at Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport; the committee voted to forward the resolution for the Commission’s consideration.
Former state representative Robert Stevens told the Rutherford County steering committee that the Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport needs a new air traffic control tower and asked the panel to forward a resolution to the County Commission asking Congress to consider an appropriation.
"Our airport is a major asset for Rutherford County," Stevens said, adding the airport produces "hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact." He told the committee the existing tower is 72 years old and that the Tennessee National Guard is moving operations to Smyrna, increasing the need for updated equipment and technology. "We would like to see if the congress will give us some funds to help offset the cost of this because it's gonna be $21,000,000 to do this project," Stevens said.
Commissioners questioned funding options. Commissioner Wilson asked what other funding sources had been explored beyond federal appropriations; Stevens said the Tennessee Department of Transportation maintains an airport capital fund of about $25 million that is spread across roughly 70 airports and is unlikely to fully fund a local tower replacement. Stevens also said a state appropriation would be difficult this budget year and that the airport authority lacks the borrowing capacity for a $21 million project.
A commissioner asked whether military funding could cover the project since the National Guard will be operating at the airport. Stevens said military funding is a possible route but "very bureaucratic" and could require redesign to military specifications, a process that might take "10 to 15 years," making a congressional appropriation a more practicable near-term option.
Stevens asked the committee to demonstrate local support because part of securing an appropriation will require community backing. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the resolution to the full Rutherford County Commission for consideration.
The steering committee forwarded the resolution by voice vote; the resolution will next appear on the County Commission agenda where commissioners will decide whether to endorse and seek federal appropriations or take other steps.
