The FAA has told Tennessee state legislators to back off plans to take over control of Nashville International Airport’s board of directors until it has had a chance to assess the move. The Republican-controlled state government has drafted legislation to replace the current seven-member board of directors appointed by the mayor with an eight-member board, six of whom are appointed by the state.
The Tennessee Lookout is reporting the FAA has sent a letter to the current airport CEO saying it likes airports to be under local control and that it must sign off on any non-consensual change in authority. The publication says the proposed takeover is part of the state government’s retribution against the Nashville city council for blocking the hosting of the 2024 Republican National Convention.
In its letter, the FAA said it wants to know the impacts of the change in governance including the effect “of such a transfer on the airport’s Federal obligations, operations and existing financial arrangements.” The state claims the shift “will not change the ownership, sponsorship, governance, or operations that would trigger the FAA’s policy” and that the FAA should butt out. It would appear that’s not going to happen. The FAA said it should have been party to the whole process and has never been invited to the table. The legislation was introduced on Jan. 31. It has been passed by the State Senate and is at the committee hearing stage in the House.
The FAA all but abandons airports in California, yet finally does it’s job here?
Great point. Though I can’t blame the FAA for avoiding any interaction with Cali state and local officialdom. Who wouldn’t?
Frankly, I’d like to see the Feds take SMO over under eminent domain and then offer the city the opportunity to manage it – or see it managed by a contractor to the DOT. The city got the airport under an agreement to operate it in perpetuity. The DOT backed away from that requirement but there’s nothing to stop it just reassessing that decision and declaring the airport a key part of the national infrastructure and an important reliever near LAX.
et tu, Meigs !!
I was thinking the same thing. I also heard that the AOPA offered to buy Meigs for 40 million. Offer declined. If that’s true, I guess the unused land must be worth more. Going back 20 years..
Assuming you’re talking about SMO, that airport’s grant obligations expire this year. That’s pretty much the FAA’s leverage. I assume the FAA has a lot more grant obligations at Nashville so has more leverage there.
Not familiar with the Nashville airport. What is the grey/black streaked surface in the middle bottom of the pic?
The overhead view in Google maps shows it as a large paved-with-asphalt lot full of vehicles and construction equipment. I don’t know what/when that is/was going on, but the area seems to be plainly an expanse of asphalt for ground stuff.
Another tantrum by a certain political party when things don’t go their way.
It’s Tennessee. The idiots in control of the legislature have no shame about flexing their “muscle” when someone balks their shameful ways.
It’s modern America. The idiots…
In the 20th century, bipartisanship was where both sides agreed to come together to solve a problem.
In the 21st century, bipartisanship is where both sides agree to copy each others bad behavior in a race to the bottom.
I don’t recall you vehemently disagreeing the the Nashville City Council “Voted” to Not allow the GOP Convention. That kind of convention is what most airports would call “revenue”. It is a win-win for all. But due to cheap, lowlife, left wing hatred of anything conservative, they stopped it. Now the GOP does one thing that counters that kind of mindset and the Feds step in to squelch it, and everyone here is ok with it? Stop and think for a moment of the way of life the “Left wing” in America is pushing for……..”Their way or NO way”. Is that really what you want?
“The publication says the proposed takeover is part of the state government’s retribution against the Nashville city council for blocking the hosting of the 2024 Republican National Convention…The FAA said it should have been party to the whole process and has never been invited to the table.”
All right, kids, settle down here 🙂
Once they gain control will they push to allow passengers to carry guns in the terminals?
I frequently fly with a gun as do most of my passengers. Funny… never had an issue.