SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — Design work has officially been released for Middle Tennessee State University’s new aerospace facilities to be built next to the Shelbyville Municipal Airport along Highway 231 South in Bedford County, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The $73.4 million project represents a major economic and workforce development investment for Bedford County and the entire Shelbyville area.

Attending the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony will be MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Deputy House Speaker Pat Marsh, Shelbyville Mayor Randy Carroll, along with university leadership and airport officials.

MTSU will officially break ground on the $73 million-plus, state-of-the-art aerospace complex, marking a major milestone for one of the nation’s most highly recognized aerospace and aviation programs. The expansion fulfills plans first announced in September 2023 to develop a dedicated aviation hub in Shelbyville.

University officials say the new Shelbyville operation will address the critical need for space and infrastructure to support the rapid growth of MTSU’s Department of Aerospace and its booming pilot training program, while also meeting increasing workforce demands from the aviation industry.

The project will include new aircraft hangars, modern classrooms, administrative offices, and expanded ramp space, allowing the university to support future fleet growth and offer specialized instructional areas for hands-on aviation and aerospace training.

Once completed, the new Shelbyville facility will relocate Aerospace operations from their longtime home at Murfreesboro Airport, consolidating flight training and aircraft operations at the growing Shelbyville site.

Local and state leaders say the project will bring long-term economic benefits, job creation, and increased aviation activity to Bedford County, while strengthening Middle Tennessee’s role as a regional center for aerospace education and workforce development.