Tennessee aviation groups tell committee $77 million needed to repair general aviation airports

Representatives of the Tennessee Aviation Association told the House Transportation Committee on March 3 that the state's general aviation airport system faces a funding shortfall of roughly $77,000,000 for state-of-good-repair projects.

Dean Selby, vice president of the Tennessee Aviation Association and executive director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, emphasized the role general aviation airports play in economic development, pilot training and emergency response in rural communities. "Their contribution to the state's economic engine is often overlooked," Selby said.

Chad Yerke, secretary of the Tennessee Aviation Association and airport director for the City of Murfreesboro, outlined the aeronautics division's needs-based prioritization and said that, with $18,000,000 in expected federal funds and local shares, the $77,000,000 state gap would support approximately 123 state-of-good-repair projects at about 56 airports next fiscal year. He asked the legislature to increase the recurring general-aviation line from $23,000,000 to $50,000,000 to keep pace with construction costs and operating needs.

Members asked about governance changes affecting airport authorities, workforce development for mechanics and pilot training, and the possible effect of global fuel-price changes on operations. Presenters said they work with community colleges and high-school work-based learning programs to address workforce shortages and that major airports follow heightened perimeter and surveillance protocols when national security concerns arise.

The committee thanked the presenters and took no formal action on the association's request during the meeting; presenters said a new economic impact study is expected in the fall.