Memorials, Public Service - Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport employees -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

SJR 471 honors Nashville and John C. Tune airport employees for their roles in expanding facilities, boosting safety, and supporting a $10B regional economy and 76,000 jobs.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #publicservice

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 471 (SJR 471)

Purpose and Intent

SJR 471 is a ceremonial joint resolution (Memorials, Public Service) recognizing and commending the employees of Nashville International Airport (BNA) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN) for their dedication and contributions to Tennessee.

The resolution commends these employees for their roles in planning, engineering, operations, maintenance, safety, security, and administration that support both airports and the region’s growth.

Key Provisions and Provisions Highlights

Acknowledges the airports’ major development programs:

BNA Vision I and II: a $1.5 billion expansion plan to address population growth and rising passenger numbers.
New Horizon I and II: part of a broader $3 billion transformation to expand airside and landside facilities to accommodate more travelers, including domestic and international.

Recognizes JWN’s contributions to regional needs, including rebuilding the south side after the 2020 tornadoes and expanding the north side and other facilities.

Highlights economic and procurement impacts:

More than $360 million in participation with small, minority-, and woman-owned businesses.
Airports’ broader economic impact: over $10 billion in annual economic impact and support for more than 76,000 regional jobs.

Purpose of the resolution: to honor and applaud the airport employees and extend best wishes for future success.

Who/What Is Affected

Primary beneficiaries are the employees of Nashville International Airport and John C. Tune Airport.

Indirect beneficiaries include the regional economy, small/minority/women-owned businesses involved in airport projects, travelers, and the Tennessee public who benefit from stronger aviation infrastructure.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: April 17, 2025.

Legislative actions progressed through committee and chamber actions in April 2025, culminating in concurrence between Senate and House.

Key milestones:

April 21, 2025: Adopted on first consideration in Senate; engrossed.
April 22, 2025: Senate and House actions with concurrence; placed on consent calendars.
April 24, 2025: Enrolled and ready for signatures; signed by Senate Speaker.
April 25, 2025: Transmitted to Governor for action.
May 5, 2025: Signed by Governor.

Sponsor: Senator Pody (primary sponsor).

Status

Signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, finalizing the resolution.

Notes

As a memorial/joint resolution, SJR 471 expresses praise and appreciation rather than creating new law or binding policy. It formally recognizes and honors the dedicated work of airport employees and their impact on Tennessee’s economy and infrastructure.