During this month’s meeting, the Board of Mayor and Alderman recognized Smithville Airport Manager Joe Johnson’s critical role in a thriving airport, which is key to any area’s industrial and economic growth. Johnson not only maintains the grounds and systems at the airport but also is a talented grant writer which translates to state and federal fund availability for the many projects that keep the airport top-notch.“We’re getting another $150,000 ACIP money which puts us at $547,428 in non-primary entitlements,” Johnson reported. “What that means is when we apply for a grant and get approved, 50 percent of that grant will be paid out of this fund ($547,428) and the state -Tennessee Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division- will provide a 45-percent match.