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Tullahoma aldermen debate using airport funds to cover fuel‑spill costs and re‑examine airport authority agreement
Summary
A long board discussion centered on whether airport revenue can pay for remediation of a recent fuel spill, guided by an FAA‑specialist attorney opinion that such costs "may" qualify if directly related to airport operations; aldermen and city attorneys warned FAA scrutiny and potential grant repayment. The board also reviewed the 2011 agreement with the Tullahoma Airport Authority and raised concerns about the authority’s hiring process for an airport manager and internal controls.
Mayor and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen spent the latter portion of their Feb. 23 meeting on a detailed information item about a recent fuel spill at the Tullahoma airport, whether airport revenue could cover remediation expenses, and the city’s existing agreement with the Tullahoma Airport Authority (TAA).
City alderman Blake summarized a legal analysis provided by aviation attorney David Hernandez, who concluded that airport revenue may be used for capital or operating costs "directly and substantially related" to air transportation and that environmental cleanup and fuel‑system remediation are typically recognized airport operating costs. Blake said Hernandez also flagged risk areas the FAA would scrutinize and recommended a careful expense review before seeking reimbursement from federal sources.
Mayor and several aldermen stressed that the FAA reviews reimbursements closely. City attorney Miss Hoskins warned that miscategorizing expenses could jeopardize…
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