May 25, 2006
Mayor Broadway Announces Opening of New Beech River Airport
First newly constructed Tennessee airport in almost 20 years
Tennessee’s first newly constructed airport to open in almost twenty years
is now up and running. Governor Phil Bredesen, TDOT officials, legislators
and local officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, officially
opening Beech River Regional Airport in Darden, Tennessee.
“This opening of this airport is an exciting development that will help
move our general aviation transportation system in Tennessee forward,”
said Governor Bredesen. “This project reflects the successful
collaboration between five governmental agencies working together for the
benefit of this region and this community.”
The airport includes approximately 400 acres of property in Henderson
County. It consists of a 4,000 foot terminal building, 10,000 square foot
maintenance hangar, and 24 T-hangar units which will service business,
corporate and personal aircraft. The airport also has a lighted runway and
taxiway along with modern navigational aids. It is one of only six general
aviation airports in Tennessee that have 6,000 feet or more of runways. A
full-length, parallel taxiway was also included in the design for
increased safety.
“This is an important day as we strive to expand all modes of our
transportation network in Tennessee to meet the needs of the future,”
reported TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “I’m pleased TDOT’s Aeronautics
Division was able to assist in molding this project into what we see here
today.”
“This project is the result of an incredible team effort,” said Senator
Roy Herron. “The Beech River Regional Airport was initiated and designed
with the inception of the Beech River Airport Authority, and the
collaboration of five governmental entities consisting of the cities of
Lexington and Parsons, and the counties of Henderson and Decatur, along
with the state of Tennessee.
“The facility should provide an economic boost to our region by presenting
a myriad of new business opportunities,” stated Representative Randy
Rinks.
“It is so exciting to see this project become reality,” said
Representative Steve McDaniel. “So many people worked so hard to make this
happen. I was thrilled to be a part of it.”
Construction on the facility began in 2002, according to Randall Little,
the Chairman of the Henderson County Airport Authority which will oversee
the new airport. “It was designed and built as a general aviation airport;
it was not formerly a military base. The airport is constructed entirely
of concrete to ensure additional longevity and increased capacity to
accommodate aircraft as large as a Gulfstream V.
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