Tri-Cities Airport Receives Support for Small Community Air Service Development Grant

Blountville, TN – Tri-Cities Airport Authority (TCAA) is applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant. If awarded, the grant will provide vital financial support for air service incentives from the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The grant would allow the Tri-Cities Airport to provide a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG), start-up costs, and marketing support to an airline partner in order to facilitate new air service to this important hub.

“Service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport has been a top request by businesses in the region,” said Gene Cossey, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “The grant will help us recruit an airline to provide this important connection for our community, and ultimately help stimulate additional economic growth for our region.” ORD is a top route requested by businesses in the region, and TRI currently loses approximately 70% of our ORD passengers to other airports. The initiation of service to ORD would serve TRI’s current business community, leisure travelers, and stimulate additional passengers for TRI. 

The grant application process is highly competitive, with no more than 40 communities selected to receive funding. To improve chances of a successful grant application, the authority has sought support through financial pledges of state and local governments and in-kind contributors. Communities that can demonstrate this type of support are typically viewed more favorably by grant reviewers. The Tri-Cities Airport Authority is grateful for the $300,000 in financial pledges received thus far, which include the following organizations:

TRI is committed to enhancing air service for our community and the SCASDP grant is a significant step toward achieving that goal. We are grateful for the support of our local partners in this endeavor.

According to Chris McCartt, City Manager of Kingsport, “It is vital to the long-term success of our citizens and businesses that we continually look for ways to improve our transportation needs. An essential component of that is our ability to diversify offerings through the Tri-Cities Airport. I’m excited about the opportunity we have before us and applaud the region for working together for the good of the whole.”

Kelli Bourgeois, City Manager of Bristol, TN, also voiced her support for the grant application: “Because of the power to connect with virtually any destination from the convenience of our hometown airport, our local industries have the capability to conduct business on a global scale, residents are able to travel anywhere they choose, and visitors from around the world can experience our region’s abundant cultural and recreational offerings. The potential addition of service to Chicago O’Hare only further strengthens TRI as a driver of economic momentum and a regional asset that cannot be overstated. We are pleased to support the Tri-Cities Airport Authority’s efforts to expand these opportunities for connection and to continuously deliver an exceptional passenger experience.”

“The City of Bristol, Virginia is very excited about the prospect of obtaining nonstop air service from TRI to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD),” said Randall Eads, Bristol, VA City Manager. “This service will benefit our city by enabling business and leisure travelers’ easier access to our area. It will also allow for new connection options allowing for convenient business travel to other markets. The success of TRI is vital to our region and the success of our community.”

Cathy Ball, City Manager of Johnson City, added: “The continued development of air service out of TRI benefits our community from both an economic development standpoint and by enhancing quality of life for our residents. Being able to fly directly to and from Chicago opens up tremendous possibilities for tourists and business travelers alike. The Tri-Cities region is centrally located and within a day’s drive of the eastern half of the United States – we should strive to make it just as accessible via air travel.”

Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable also commented on the importance of Tri-Cities Airport, saying, “Tri-Cities Airport is a vital part of Sullivan County and the Region. Not only does it connect us to the world, but it is also an integral part of the economic engine that drives our economy, which provides the highest quality of life in our state. We are happy to join our partners in expanding our opportunities to provide the best possible services to our citizens and business.”

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy emphasized the direct benefits of the new Chicago service for local businesses, citing the easy access it provides for future customers and the new connecting options it opens up for conducting business in other markets. As he stated, “It is vital to our area’s success, and others in our region, that TRI has air service offerings that the business community needs.”

These supportive statements highlight the regional significance of the airport and the impact that expanded air service could have on economic growth and quality of life in the Tri-Cities area. Tri-Cities Airport Authority is grateful for the financial support received from its local partners and will continue to work diligently to secure the SCASDP grant and enhance air service offerings for the community.

“We are proud to be a part of this community and are grateful for the ongoing support we receive from our local partners,” said Bill Sorah, TCAA Chairman. “Without their support, we would not be able to pursue important initiatives like this grant application for new air service. We are committed to providing the highest level of service to our passengers, and we ask that the community continues to support us in our efforts to grow and enhance air service for the region.”

Pledged Financial Support

Provided Letter of Support

If additional businesses or organizations would like to offer a letter of support, please contact Kristi Haulsee, director of marketing and air service development, by Tuesday, May 2 at 423-325-6032 or via email at khaulsee@triflight.com.

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