History

Transportation is Key

 

In the 1980s, several improvements of transportation infrastructure were completed. These included a five-lane expansion of Bockman Way across the city limits from east to west, construction of access roads between industrial facilities, creation of a tri-county private railway authority and construction start of Hwy. 111 to extend north to south through the county.

 

Also, significant discussions were undertaken between White and Putnam counties about partnering to develop a regional airport. The plans came to fruition in 1993 with the formation of Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. In 1995, a federal grant was used to extend the runway and complete other improvements to the airport infrastructure.

 

In 1996, the airport received the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission award for Most Improved Airport. And by 1999, a new master plan for continued improvements was undertaken.