UPDATE: Members of the Rutherford County Legislative Delegation including State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD (R-Murfreesboro), State Rep. Charlie Baum (R- Murfreesboro), State Rep. Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro), and State Rep. Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) have announced a one million dollar grant award for the City of Murfreesboro and the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport.

Grant dollars were awarded through the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) Aeronautics Economic Development Fund, which is designed to impact job creation and investment opportunities within the state's aviation industry. Funding will be used for site development and pavement of an apron and taxiway as part of airport expansion.

"The new terminal will be three times bigger than the existing terminal," said Murfreesboro Airport Manger Chad Gehrke (pronounced Gur-Key). "We want the terminal to present air travelers with the best impression possible and to fulfill the needs of a growing city for the next half-century." Gehrke also commented on the financial impact the local airport has on Murfreesboro and Rutherford County...



According to its website, the Murfreesboro Airport was named 2007 Airport of the Year for the state of Tennessee and has also received 15 consecutive Front Door Awards from the Tennessee Division of Aeronautics and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development. The airport's largest tenant is the Aerospace Department of Middle Tennessee State University, which is rapidly becoming one of the best aviation schools in the entire country.

"Congratulations to the City of Murfreesboro for securing this important funding through a competitive grant process," said Rep. Terry. "It's an honor to partner with my legislative colleagues and our local leaders to help meet the needs of our growing city. I know this award will help our airport better accommodate MTSU's flourishing aviation program and also enhance service in our community."

"This sizable grant award is great news for our community and for our university's aviation program," said Rep. Baum. "Congratulations to our city officials and airport leaders for securing these funds, and I am pleased to have supported their application for this competitive grant."

"The Murfreesboro Airport and MTSU's Aviation Program are valuable assets for the community," said Rep. Rudd. "The State's one million dollar grant will help fund airport improvements and create up to 28 jobs."

"Our community continues to grow, and these grant dollars will help our airport account for the increase in air travel, while also supporting MTSU's Aviation Program," said Rep. Sparks. "The Rutherford Delegation and I remain committed to fighting for additional resources so we can continue to address our growing needs."