$150k from BrightRidge gets group 90% to goal to bring new air service to Tri-Cities
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A $150,000 commitment from BrightRidge has helped an organization nearly reach its goal to bring new air service to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI).
BRIDGE, a regional economic development organization that is privately funded, has been raising funds from county and city governments, local businesses and individuals in the hopes of enticing an airline to bring service to the airport.
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BRIDGE hopes to raise $2 million as a minimum revenue guarantee for an airline. Those funds would be used to bring a low-cost airline to TRI and provide regular, non-stop service to two major markets.
On Tuesday, BRIDGE announced in a news release that it was 90% to its goal, courtesy of a $150,000 commitment from BrightRidge. The commitment would span over two years.
BrightRidge's board of directors approved a resolution to support the expansion on Tuesday.
'We're grateful to the BrightRidge Board for their support,' BRIDGE executive director John Rose stated in the release. 'As one of the key utility providers in the region, BrightRidge understands the regionwide economic benefit of improved air service at TRI, and we appreciate their strong commitment.'
BRIDGE did not meet its initial fundraising deadline of April 7; however, the organization has continued to get more commitments.
According to Rose, BRIDGE is set up to speak with more potential partners this week who could help the organization reach the $2 million threshold.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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