Reconstruct FAA contract tower

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $600,000 to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on July 7, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to reconstruct a FAA contract tower. This grant is structured as a state block grant program that enables TDOT to administer sub-awards for airport improvement projects at nonprimary airports throughout Tennessee. The funding will support the development and modernization of airport infrastructure, consistent with the FAA's strategic objectives to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure resilience across the nation's civil aviation system.

Under this four-year award period (through July 6, 2029), TDOT will serve as the administrator distributing federal funds to eligible nonprimary airport sponsors within the state. The grant aligns with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act framework and supports the FAA's broader mission to maintain a comprehensive nationwide airport system adequate to meet the needs of civil aeronautics. As administrator of this block grant program, TDOT will manage project applications, oversee compliance with environmental and airport layout plan requirements, and ensure accountability through periodic reporting on project bidding, contracting, and completion activities.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project awards a state block grant program grant to the state of tennessee to administer airport improvement program sub-awards for nonprimary airports within the state. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports in the tennessee state block grant program.