Murfreesboro City Council Advances Air Traffic Control Tower Plans at Municipal Airport
The Murfreesboro City Council has taken the next step toward a proposed air traffic control tower at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport. On Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, Council voted unanimously (4-0) to approve a federal and state grant to complete a siting analysis and report for the project.
The $145,700 study will be 95% federally funded through the Tennessee Aeronautics Division within TDOT, with a local share of $7,825 paid through the Airport Fund. Barge Design Solutions, the City’s airport consultant, will lead the analysis, which evaluates the best location for a control tower before construction begins. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will use the findings as part of its decision-making process.
“Working with the FAA and other agencies to provide air traffic control services to Murfreesboro Municipal Airport is another way to enhance safety and capacity while bolstering economic development,” said Airport Director Chad Gehrke.
Council also approved a separate work authorization of $63,589 for Barge to complete the report, 90% of which is federally funded, with $3,179 locally funded through the Airport Fund.
Murfreesboro first applied to participate in the FAA Federal Contract Tower Program in September 2023. The program covers 90% of construction costs, as well as the salaries of five to six air traffic controllers. Preliminary studies—including siting, environmental, and design reviews—must be completed before a tower is approved. The full project is expected to cost $7–$9 million over several years.
A prior study by Quadrex Aviation determined that Murfreesboro Airport qualifies for the program and validated the need for a control tower, even with the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Aerospace program relocating to Shelbyville. While MTSU aircraft operations are decreasing, business and personal aviation traffic continues to grow.
As Murfreesboro expands, airport improvements remain a priority for economic development and safety. “Collaborating with our federal and state partners along with commercial operators is a combined effort to improve operations and enhance safety at our airport,” Gehrke added.
The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, located at 1930 Memorial Blvd., features a 16,000-square-foot terminal with a main lobby, observation areas, pilot lounge, leasable business center, and conference space.
For more information, contact the Airport Office at 615-848-3254 or visit the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport webpage.
