Congressman Ryan Zinke Announces More Than $25 Million in Airport Infrastructure Grants for Montana

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Office of Congressman Ryan Zinke announces more than $25 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support critical infrastructure upgrades at six Montana airports. These investments will enhance safety, extend the useful life of airport facilities, and improve operations for pilots and passengers across the state.

"Infrastructure is a taxpayer investment not merely an expense," said Zinke. "These critical investments will help maintain and improve aging and overlooked infrastructure and ensure the air transportation across our state can keep operating safely and efficiently. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation my job is to ensure Montana infrastructure is funded and these projects are worthy of investment."

The funding will support runway, taxiway, apron, lighting, drainage, and access road improvements in Hamilton, Deer Lodge, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Polson, and Bozeman.

Grant Details

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Program: Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP)

Ravalli County Airport (Hamilton, MT)
Amount: $218,471
Project: This project reseals approximately 5,200 feet of Runway 16/34 pavement, 14,120 feet of taxiway and taxilane pavement, and 43,193 square yards of apron pavement. These improvements are designed to extend the useful life of existing airfield infrastructure, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and maintain safe operating conditions for general aviation users.

Deer Lodge-City-County Airport (Deer Lodge, MT)
Amount: $13,477,194
Project: This comprehensive airfield modernization project includes construction of a new 2,840-foot Taxiway A and a new 400-foot Taxilane B to improve airfield access and compliance with current standards. It also includes extension of Runway 13/31 by 1,200 feet, rehabilitation of 5,800 feet of existing runway pavement, reconstruction of runway lighting, and replacement of navigational aids including wind cone, segmented circle, and rotating beacon. Additional work includes installation of an AWOS III P(T) weather system, drainage improvements, expansion of the general aviation apron by 4,570 square yards, and installation of runway end identifier lights and precision approach path indicators to enhance safety and situational awareness for pilots.

Missoula Montana Airport (Missoula, MT)
Amount: $3,395,019
Project: This project rehabilitates approximately 9,500 feet of Taxiway A and reconstructs Taxiway H signage and pavement. It also includes resurfacing and sealing of Taxiway H segments to reduce foreign object debris and maintain pavement integrity, extending the useful life of critical airfield infrastructure.

Yellowstone Airport (West Yellowstone, MT)
Amount: $650,966
Project: This project rehabilitates approximately 2,725 feet of the terminal airport access road, improving surface conditions and extending the service life of a key access corridor supporting airport operations.

Polson Airport (Polson, MT)
Amount: $119,000
Project: This project constructs approximately 11,920 feet of perimeter fencing and 10 access gates to enhance airport security and bring the facility into compliance with current federal aviation safety standards.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (Bozeman, MT)
Amount: $7,559,396
Project: This project extends Taxiway B by approximately 7,100 feet to improve airfield capacity and operational efficiency. The work supports continued growth in aviation demand and ensures compliance with current FAA design standards for safe aircraft movement.

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