8/31/2004

Funds to be used in effort to attract nonstop service to Dallas

Chattanooga– The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the 2004 Small Community Air Service Development Grants, and Chattanooga was among the recipients. The $750,000 grant will be combined with $325,000 in matching funds raised in the community and used to pursue nonstop service from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport.

"Additional air service for Chattanooga is critical for the economic development of Hamilton County and the Tennessee Valley Corridor," said Rep. Zach Wamp. "Our office was pleased to be able to support this effort to secure the grant along with the rest of the elected officials and business leadership in the community."

Mayor Bob Corker agreed with Congressman Wamp saying the grant will be a tremendous boost for regional economic development and further evidence that local citizens have once again rallied to improve air service – a critical component of the area’s future growth.

“Working together, Chattanooga is focused like never before on expanding air service and lowering fares and I congratulate the many citizens who are contributing to this important effort,” said Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker.  “This grant creates the possibility of adding a direct western route from Chattanooga, a link that will be a tremendous strategic enhancement to our economic development efforts.”

“This grant award was the demonstration of tremendous support from communities across the region,” said Dan Jacobson, Chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. “The dedication of our community’s leadership – from our elected officials and civic leaders to the business community as a whole – made the key difference in this successful endeavor.”

In May, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce joined with the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority in filing for the $750,000 grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program through the DOT.

According to Tom Edd Wilson, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the grant is a major win for the local business community.  “The Chamber worked with the airport to secure $325,000 from the business community in support of the air service grant,” Wilson said.  “Chattanooga’s can-do spirit is about building partnerships.  This is a great example of how we’re doing just that to create better air service to strengthen local businesses and attract new investment.”

Community leaders continued to specifically highlight why expansion of existing air service and expanding new routes was so important for high- paying job growth in the area.

“When recruiting new businesses to the region, air service is always a top priority in the decision making process,” said Mayor Claude Ramsey.  “Nonstop service to Dallas would be a huge enhancement for those efforts and I would like to thank all those responsible for helping us get the grant – they continue to show that this community is a partnership that works.”

The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority must now execute the grant agreement with the DOT, after which they will pursue an airline to serve the Chattanooga to Dallas route.

For more information, contact Todd Womack, Communications Director, at 423-757-5168