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House approves bill to reconstitute boards for five major airports; debate centers on local control
Summary
Lawmakers passed legislation to create regional authorities for five major Tennessee airports and reconstitute governance; sponsors said statewide taxpayers fund airports and deserve representation, while critics called the move a takeover of local control.
Representative Garrett presented legislation (substitute/SB 24-73 / HB 25-07) to create a statewide governance structure for five major airports (Memphis, Nashville, Tri-Cities, Knoxville, Chattanooga) and reconstitute their boards. He argued the airports receive significant state funding and Tennessee taxpayers deserve representation on boards that set policy for facilities used by residents across the state.
Opponents raised concerns about local control, legal challenges, and the qualifications or motivations of appointees. Representative Mitchell characterized the bill as a "power grab," while sponsors pointed to recurring state appropriations and said board appointments would include technical qualifications (engineering, finance, aviation knowledge). The House approved the bill on the floor with recorded vote tallies indicating passage.
