Airport authority approves request to seek state grant for terminal remodel

The Municipal Airport Authority voted to authorize staff to seek a Tennessee aeronautics terminal grant to help pay for a planned remodel of the airport terminal.

Paul presented the proposal and explained the state program offers a 50% match for terminal construction and remodel projects. He said the authority could apply for grants that would cover roughly $500,000 to $1 million of the project, and noted the authority might combine state funds with federal or local funding to increase project scope. "They will support it to meet to $500,000 or a million dollars," Paul told the board.

Board members discussed whether to renovate the existing structure or tear it down and rebuild. Members estimated an elevator at about $150,000 per stop in current market conditions and said a remodel would add roughly 1,400 square feet of usable space upstairs for pilot rooms, training and after-hours waiting areas. Paul noted the remodel would make the building more accessible and usable for tenants such as Tennessee Flight Training.

A motion to authorize staff to request the state grant was seconded and approved by voice vote. The motion did not record a named mover or roll-call tally in the transcript.

The authority’s action only authorizes application and does not obligate local matching funds until the city council approves the request and any related funding. Staff said they will take the grant request to city council as the next step.

The board closed discussion on the grant request and moved on to other items on the agenda.