Category: News

Blountville, TN – The Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) was pleased to be among the 25 communicities receiving Site Development Grants as announced today by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner (TNECD) Bob Rolfe.

TCAA will receive a $500,000 grant to prepare a pad-ready site in Aerospace Park.

The regional collaboration of the three cities and two counties in Northeast Tennessee in developing a funding partnership for Aerospace Park was instrumental in positioning the project for the Site Development Grant. The regional partners include Bristol, TN, Kingsport, Johnson City, and Sullivan and Washington Counties. TCAA and NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership jointly presented the mertis of the project to the TNECD advisory committee.

“The Airport Authority is excited the project and the local city and county collaboration resulted in this grant,” said Patrick Wilson, TCAA executive director. “We appreciate the support of our Northeast Tennessee delegation of State senators and represenatives during this grant process. We are also thankful to TNECD for the development of this grant program and their participation on this project.”

The Site Development Grant is another step forward in the economic and job creation efforts of the TCAA in Aerospace Park.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 21 acres certified for immediate development and an additional 140 acres are currently under development.

NOTE: The following is a News Release from TNECD. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Carly Schroer, TNECD
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
PHONE: (615) 490-2995
EMAIL: carly.schroer@tn.gov

GOVERNOR HASLAM, COMMISSIONER ROLFE ANNOUNCE 25 COMMUNITIES TO RECEIVE SITE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
More than $9.6 million in grants for industrial site preparation

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced today that 25 communities will receive more than $9.6 million in Site Development Grants.

The Site Development Grant program is part of the larger Rural Economic Opportunity Act passed in 2016 and updated in 2017.

“By making our rural communities ready for investment and economic success, we help them attract jobs and more opportunities for citizens,” Haslam said. “I congratulate the Site Development Grant program recipients and look forward to watching as they thrive and bring new businesses to our state.”

The grants are intended to help rural communities overcome barriers to site certification and prepare them to receive an economic development project that creates jobs in their community. These funds assist communities in finalizing infrastructure and engineering improvements for project-ready certified sites.

“We want to help these rural communities up their game and increase their close rate by making our rural county site inventory among the most attractive and project-ready in the world,” Rolfe said. “We are proud to see these 25 communities taking the initiative to invest in themselves and look forward to seeing their future success.”

“Each of the recipients is taking a major step to enhance their community and with the assistance of the site development grants, they are given the opportunity to compete for jobs and business,” TNECD Assistant Commissioner for Community and Rural Development Amy New said. “The Site Development program shows great return on investment, and I am thankful that the investment from the Rural Economic Opportunity Act will continue to help many more communities in the years to come.”

The Site Development Grant program works in cooperation with the department’s Select Tennessee Site Certification program.

“Through its Site Development Grant program, TNECD has awarded $21.6 million over three

years to communities throughout Tennessee,” TNECD Site Development Director Leanne Cox said. “These grants are a valuable resource for local economic development projects, demonstrating Tennessee’s proactive approach to industrial development and support for further growth and job creation.”

Applications were reviewed by an advisory committee made up of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Austin Consulting, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Department of Transportation and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

The grants awarded include:

• Adamsville-McNairy County Industrial Development Board:
  • Adamsville Industrial Park – $368,600– Clear wooded area and extend Copeland Drive into the Industrial Site
• City of Bolivar:
  • Bolivar Industrial Park – $299,056– Construct detention pond and landscaped berm
• City of Brownsville:
  • 1-40 Advantage Industrial Park – $465,511– Extend electric power utilities
• City of Chattanooga:
  • Tubman Site – $100,000– Conduct due diligence studies
• City of Covington:
  • Rialto Industrial Park – $261,250– Extend water line
• City of Henderson:
  • Henderson Industrial Park – $68,850– Conduct due diligence studies
• City of Humboldt:
  • Gibson County Industrial Park South Site – $500,000– Extend sewer service by constructing a new force main, sewage pumping station, and gravity sewer line
• City of Lexington:
  • Reeves Industrial Property – $58,500– Conduct due diligence studies
• City of Pulaski:
  • Pulaski Industrial Park South, Lot 5 – $500,000– Extend roadway, water line and sewer line
• City of Ripley:
  • Walker East Industrial Park – $317,281– Fill wet weather conveyance channel, construct a detention basin, and install site signage

• City of Tiptonville:
  • Port of Cates Landing Regional lntermodal Industrial Park– $308,748 – Construct fire protection and water supply capacity improvements, including municipal well and Cedar Street Pump Station improvements
• City of Union City:
  • Northwest Tennessee Regional Industrial Park – $500,000– Extend Greenfield Drive and construct bridge
• Dickson County:
  • Dickson County South Site – $41,770– Conduct due diligence studies and prepare master plan
• Franklin County Industrial Development Board:
  • Franklin County Industrial Park #9 – $350,000– Grade and excavate a pad on which to place a 100,000 square foot building
• Grundy County:
  • Pelham Industrial Park – $35,977– Conduct due diligence studies, including resistivity
• Huntingdon Industrial Development Board:
  • Huntingdon Industrial Park South – $257,462– Clear trees, establish a permanent entrance way and marketing road, and install site signage
• McMinn County Economic Development Authority:
  • North Etowah Industrial Park – $879,675– Complete engineering design of a new industrial access road
• Monroe County:
  • Niles Ferry Industrial Park – $500,000– Complete site grading
• Smith County:
  • Baker Property – $1,000,000– Complete site grading
• Sullivan County Economic Development Partnership, Inc.:
  • Partnership Park II – $1,000,000– Complete site grading improvements to create rail access and a pad site
• The Industrial Development Board of Crockett County:
  • Bivens Industrial Site – $38,290– Conduct due diligence studies
• The Industrial Development Board of Perry County:
  • 1-40 Industrial Park – $760,000– Extend forced main sewer line
• Town of Erwin:
  • 2nd Street Industrial Site – $500,000– Grade a pad-ready site for a single, large industrial user and conduct investigative studies
• Tri-Cities Airport Authority:
  • Aerospace Park – $500,000– Prepare a pad-ready site for an aircraft maintenance hangar, as well as landside parking access
• Van Buren County:
  • BDS Industrial Site – $17,670 – Conduct due diligence studies

Each application was supported by the community’s senator and representatives in the Tennessee General Assembly.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

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“The Aerospace Park is an important economic development project for our region, and we greatly appreciate the commitment Governor Haslam and TDOT Commissioner Schroer have made to its success through the award of this grant,” said Jon Smith, TCAA chairman.

When combined with local funding, the $4.1 million grant will allow a significant amount of site development work to be completed, making the Aerospace Park more attractive to aerospace industry prospects. TCAA will use $8.5 million of funding provided by the city and county regional partnership, the $4.1 million grant from TDOT and a $350,000 grant from TVA for the next phase of the development. TCAA will immediately begin the engineering work on the next phase of the Aerospace Park with site construction to start as early as September.

According to TCAA Executive Director Patrick Wilson, the city and county funding partnership has generated a great return on investment for the regional economic development infrastructure.

“The regional cooperation demonstrated by Bristol, TN, Johnson City, Kingsport, Sullivan County and Washington County helped set the Aerospace Park initiative apart from other projects,” said Wilson. “This regional partnership made it possible to attract such a large grant from TDOT.”

“For the Aerospace Park to receive the largest award from the Fund this award cycle is a great outcome,” said TCAA chairman Smith. “This is a major step forward in developing a world-class site that will attract high-quality jobs and private sector investment.”

Smith added the grant award would not have been possible without the support of the entire Northeast Tennessee delegation of the Tennessee General Assembly.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit triflight.com.

Aerospace Park is a direct-airfield development at Tri-Cities Airport in Northeast Tennessee. The site offers 21 acres certified for immediate development and an additional 140 acres under development.

Blountville, TN – Have you dealt with the stress of almost missing a flight, or actually missing a flight? It happens to passengers on a daily basis throughout the aviation system. Tri-Cities Airport would like to remind our passengers it is crucial to arrive at the airport on time (2 hours early) to ensure they don’t miss their important business meeting or delay the start to that long-awaited family vacation.

TRI provides an ease of access that sometimes lulls passengers into arriving only 30 minutes prior to their flight departure time. Airlines and the Airport request passengers be at the airport a minimum of two hours prior to flight departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.

Why so long before the flight? It provides passengers time to park the car, walk to the terminal, check bags, get through security, and arrive at their gate in time for boarding – stress-free. The airlines also need passengers to arrive on time and proceed through security so they may follow their procedures to help ensure an on-time departure.

Experienced travelers often feel they do not need as much time as those who do not travel frequently. However, the experienced passenger still needs to arrive early as the less-traveled passenger flows through the process along with the experienced. Procedures can be confusing and take longer for less experienced passengers.

TRI is working hard to improve the passenger experience in the gate area. Tailwind has recently opened a new retail area which has also provided more space in the restaurant area for seating. The Airport offers free WIFI, which is in the process of being upgraded for faster speeds and more connectivity. The business center offers a place for passengers to charge devices and catch up on emails, work or fun. Passengers can also simply enjoy the breathtaking view of mountains and take some time to unwind.

Two items to note for all passengers are the modified version of TSA PreCheck and additional screening procedures which will be implemented soon. TSA PreCheck at TRI is a modified version of the full TSA PreCheck program implemented at larger airports.

Passengers who have TSA PreCheck only need to remove laptops and liquids from their carry-on bags, unless other items alarm. At which point they will need to remove those items and be re-screened.

Additional screening procedures are scheduled to be implemented at TRI in October 2017 and nation-wide by May 2018. For more information on the additional procedures, please click the following link: https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2017/07/26/tsa-raising-aviation-security-baseline-stronger-domestic-security-measures.

Below is a chart regarding timing for the airlines that many passengers may not know and will help to understand the need to arrive at the airport on time. The times shown below refer to time prior to scheduled flight departure.

AIRLINE	ARRIVE at TRI	Counter CLOSES	Arrive at GATE	Airline DOOR CLOSES(will not be reopened)
Allegiant	2 hours	45 minutes	1 hour	15 minutes
American	2 hours*	30 minutes	30 minutes	10 minutes
Delta	2 hours*	30 minutes	30 minutes	10 minutes

*3 hours for international flight

An on-time arrival can help make the experience of travel less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.

Updated Feb. 14, 2018

For Immediate Release

June 26, 2017

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will address the media Wednesday, June 28 on prohibited items found at Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) to remind passengers about what is and isn’t allowed aboard aircraft when traveling.

WHO:             Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson

WHAT:          Interviews and tabletop display of prohibited items surrendered at the TRI security checkpoint

WHEN:          10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28

WHERE:       Tri-Cities Regional Airport; Meeting point: front of security checkpoint

NOTE:           Interested media should RSVP to mark.howell1@tsa.dhs.gov

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**Media Advisory courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration.

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2017

Blountville, TN – At approx. 5:16 PM Tri-Cities Airport was alerted that Delta Air Lines flight 1534 flying to Atlanta from Indianapolis reported smoke in the cockpit and would be diverting to TRI. The plane landed safely at TRI at approximately 5:36 PM, and the alert was lifted and the call for mutual aid was cancelled. No injuries were reported and passengers have deplaned.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2017

Greene County Native to be Laid to Rest After More than 70 Years

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder recognize the service and sacrifice of United States Army Private First Class Reece Gass of Greeneville who was presumably killed on January 14, 1945, but was not identified until 2016. Gass was serving with Company E, 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division in Belgium during World War II when he was killed in action when enemy fire destroyed his tank.

An American investigator recovered the remains of a soldier from a tank in Belgium in 1947, but repeated attempts to identify the remains were unsuccessful. The Greene County native was buried in a grave marked Unknown X-5867 Neuville in the U.S. Military Cemetery Hamm, Luxembourg with a headstone that read “Here Rests in Honored Glory a Comrade in Arms Known but to God.”

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed Gass in 2016 and was able to confirm his identity using DNA tests which matched a surviving niece.

“Reece was only 20 years old when he went off to war to fight for his state and country,” Haslam said. “We are grateful he will finally be laid to rest under a headstone that will bear his name in a community and state committed to honor his memory.”

“Private First Class Gass is an American and Tennessee hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.” Grinder said. “We are relieved this his family will finally get closure after waiting for more than 70 years.”
Gass’ remains will arrive at the Tri-Cities Airport at 2525 TN-25 in Blountville on Thursday, June 8 at 8:15 p.m. (EDT). Media planning to attend the dignified transfer of remains at the airport will need to meet the Tri-Cities Airport Public Safety Officer at the Air Services Counter by 7:55 p.m. (EDT). Further instructions will be provided at the Air Services Counter. Interviews with family members will not be provided during the dignified transfer of remains.

Haslam has declared a day of mourning and ordered flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, June 10 in honor of Private First Class Reece’s ultimate sacrifice. Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EDT) at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home, 1125 Tusculum Boulevard, Greeneville, TN 37841 on June 9. Funeral service will be at Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home, 1125 Tusculum Boulevard, Greeneville, TN 37841 on June 10 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT). Graveside service will follow the funeral service on June 10 at Cross Anchor Cemetery, 560 Old Baileyton Road, Greeneville, TN at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).

Gass is survived by his nieces Roberta Gass, Jo Ann Jones, Betty Lou McAmis and Michelle Schofield of Greeneville, TN.

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**Press release courtesy of the Department of Veterans Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 25, 2017

Blountville, TN – For the 18th consecutive year, the Tri-Cities Airport Authority has been awarded a certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An award of Financial Reporting Achievement was also presented to Rene Weber, Tri-Cities Airport Authority’s Director of Finance, for his role in preparing the award-winning CAFR.

“We are pleased to be recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for our Annual Financial Report. I especially appreciate the effort and attention to detail that Rene Weber and the finance staff exhibit daily when managing the Airport’s finances.” said Patrick Wilson, TCAA Executive Director.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 20, 2017

Blountville, TN—New parking rates will go into effect beginning June 1, 2017, at Tri-Cities Airport. The new rates were approved by the Tri-Cities Airport Authority today. Current parking rates were last adjusted in 2010.

Parking revenue provides approximately 32% of the airport’s total operating revenue. Airport officials report that developing additional operating revenue to meet projected operating expenditures is needed.

“The significant reduction in state airport funding over the past several years, and into the foreseeable future, has created a need for the airport to be more self-sufficient in funding future capital expenditures,” said Patrick Wilson, Tri-City Airport Authority executive director.

Estimates indicate the parking rate adjustments will generate approximately $250,000 in additional annual parking revenue to fund increasing operating and capital expenditures.

Airport staff conducted a parking rate survey of 25 southeast airports. Tri-Cities Airport’s new rates remain below the average of all 25 southeast airports, even when broken down by Tennessee airports and competing airports.

For individuals picking up passengers, a cell phone waiting lot is located off Terminal Loop Road, just outside the park lot exit. The cell phone waiting lot is free, but visitors must wait in their vehicle until the passenger(s) have arrived, and then exit the lot and drive to the baggage claim curb to pick up passengers.

For additional information regarding parking, please visit the airport’s parking information here or visit www.triflight.com/passenger-guide/parking/.

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Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to four hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Orland/Sanford, and St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit www.triflight.com.

RARE OPPORTUNITY

Office Space Available in the Airport Terminal Building

453 square feet consisting of two offices, walk in storage area, and a kitchenette. Call early and choose your colors and tenant specifics. Amenities include security, all utilities, parking.

Available Office Space: Suite 126

Lower level of Terminal Building
498 square feet
2 offices and 1 storage area
Amenities include utilities, use of all common areas, parking, security; janitorial services available by contract

Contact:

Rebecca O’Quinn Manager
Human Resources and Administrative Services Tri-Cities Airport Authority
(423) 325-6003
(423) 325-6041 fax
Email: roquinn@flytri.com