The Director of Aeronautics – John-Paul (“J.P.”) Saalwaechter, P.E. was at the Rockwood Municipal Airport on May 20, 2024 to present the Governing Body of the Year Award to the city.

Each year the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC) and TDOT Aeronautics Division recognize excellence
in airports and airport managers throughout the state by issuing select awards. The TAC and TDOT
Aeronautics give these awards to commend recipients for their hard work, diligence, and devoted efforts in
improving airports, airport safety, and aviation in Tennessee. The awards, in a small way, reflect the respect
that the TAC and TDOT Aeronautics have for the many airports and airport managers within the state that
have dedicated themselves to excellence in aviation and aviation safety.

This award recognizes the Airport Governing Body that contributed the most to the positive promotion of their
Airport, Airport planning and/or airport improvements for the previous calendar year in the state of
Tennessee.
Eligibility: Must be the recognized and established governing body, per T.C.A., of a Public Use
Airport licensed in Tennessee.
Winner: City of Rockwood
The City of Rockwood has made great progress over the last five years. In 2019 the city was faced with taking over the daily management of the airport and really didn’t know what to expect. However, since that time the city has made steady progress on making the airport a value to the community
and have become self-sufficient.  The airport is now able to provide local share for airport improvement projects without assistance from city tax dollars.

Key accomplishments include:
– Completing projects to maintain the airfield in state of good repair in line with TDOT priorities.
– Increased hangar rates and charges to fair market value to be more self-sufficient.

– Replaced a tenant using a hangar for storage with an aircraft maintenance shop
– Has continued to have an air ambulance company with a 24/7 presence
– New utilities (water & sewer) installed for users and tenants
– Constructed new taxi-lane for future development.
– Resolved aircraft parking issues

“The city council, myself and city staff have taken great pride in making the airport self-sufficient since 2019. Not having to rely on city taxes anymore to cover the expenses is a very good feeling. The airport has come a long way and the future is looking bright for future growth. We are very excited that Director Saalwaechter and TDOT Aeronautics staff recognize all the hard work that has been put into making our airport a success,”  said Mayor Jolly.