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A Resolution recognizing the 85th anniversary of Nashville International Airport®.
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WHEREAS, on June 12, 1937, as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Berry Field Airport, named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry state administrator for the Works Progress Administration, was opened as Nashville’s first major airport at a cost of $1.2 million. By the end of that first year 189,000 passengers were served by the airport, and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Berry Field was requisitioned by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command as the headquarters for the 4th Ferrying Command for movement of new aircraft overseas. After the war, the airport was returned to the city with a number of facilities remaining to support Joint Base Berry Field, formerly Berry Field Air National Guard Base home to the 118th Wing and the 1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron of the Tennessee National Guard; and
WHEREAS, in 1950s and 1960s, the airport saw the construction of a new terminal, expansion of the existing runway, the arrival of jet liners, construction of a new crosswind runway, and became the first municipal airport in the United States with a public reading room when the Nashville Public Library opened a branch inside the terminal; and
WHEREAS, the current terminal opened in 1987 and the following year, 1988, Berry Field Airport was renamed Nashville International Airport (BNA) and has since served as a transportation pillar connecting Nashville to 33 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Nashville International Airport unveiled, BNA® Vision,1.0 and 2.0, a comprehensive $1.6 billion expansion plan designed to accommodate the regions booming population growth and to meet the needs of the record-breaking passenger increases. BNA leadership continues to prepare for the future, BNA plans to embark on their Beyond Vision expansion plans; and
WHEREAS, BNA currently employs 380 employees and serves as economic engine for the region having helped draw many major corporations like Nissan, General Motors, Amazon, and others. According to the State of Tennessee Aviation Economic Impact Study, it has generated more than $9.9 billion total in economic impact and supported 66,848 jobs; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdowns it caused, BNA recorded its lowest month ever with only 545 passengers departing. BNA President and CEO Doug Kreulen and the Executive Leadership Team made strategic financial adjustments to prevent layoffs and furloughs ensuring that all employees kept their jobs; and
WHEREAS, because of these efforts Nashville International Airport quickly began to recover and in July 2021 they set a record with 1.7 million passengers, their busiest July in history, coming through the airport and now is on track to exceed 18 million passengers this year.; and
WHEREAS, thanks to the efforts of the Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, leadership, and staff, Nashville International Airport continues to be the heartbeat of Music City to generations of passengers today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
NOW, THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record recognizing Nashville International Airport’s 85th anniversary and gratitude for the leadership and commitment of the Board of Commissioners and Airport staff who work tirelessly to bring a world class airport to a world class city and their dedication to bringing the heartbeat of Music City to generations today, tomorrow, and the years to come.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.