Lawrenceburg-Lawrence County Airport Named Airport of the Year

The Lawrenceburg-Lawrence County Airport was named Airport of the Year at the Tennessee Aviation Association conference on February 24, an honor selected annually from the state’s 76 public airports by members of the Tennessee Aviation Commission and TDOT’s Aeronautics Division.

The recognition comes as the airport prepares to open a new 100-by-120-foot hangar, funded in part by a $1 million loan approved by the Lawrence County Commission in October 2024. The facility is the first at the airport large enough to accommodate corporate jets and marks the first hangar expansion since 2016. Airport leaders say available hangar space and air access are key factors for companies considering investment in a community.

Board Chair Jill Gowen said the airport’s layout plan shows space for 15 to 20 additional hangars, noting that Maury County Regional Airport is already at full capacity. She added that businesses could construct private hangars and that the site also offers room for industries needing direct airport access.

The airport supports just-in-time deliveries for local companies, serves crop dusters for the agricultural community, and provides storage for aircraft owned by business leaders who work in Lawrence County.

Recent improvements include a grant-funded reconstruction of the self-serve fueling area, featuring larger tanks and improved access for aircraft. Airport Manager Doug Smith, who has served 15 years, said earlier upgrades included clearing runway approaches to meet federal and state requirements for instrument landings.

Officials said continued growth and improvements position the airport for additional grant opportunities in the future.