Glacier Park International Airport gets $7.3M for expansion project

Glacier Park International Airport is landing about $7.3 million in a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, the funds slated to go toward the second phase of its expansion project.

The influx of dollars, announced Feb. 27, is coming to Flathead Valley as part of the federal aviation agency’s Airport Terminal Expansion Program. The airport originally applied for around $27 million to complete its expansion and other projects, several of which will end up on the backburner, according to Director Rob Ratkowski.

Airport officials are reevaluating their priorities, but want to focus on their second phase goals of adding a new gate and increasing restroom, security and baggage space.

“It’s not the $27 million windfall, but it is absolutely going to help us get phase two done,” said Ratkowski.

“There were a lot of moving parts,” he continued. “What we are likely going to do is shuffle some other projects around to get phase two done.”

Other airport goals, including purchasing a new airplane parking apron, fire station and other equipment upgrades will get pushed back, he said.

“Obviously we’re thankful for the money,” Ratkowski said. “But we will absolutely go back and apply for more money next year.”

The funds originated in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Montana Sen. Jon Tester wrote a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration in support of the airport’s grant application.

“I was proud to work across the aisle to secure this funding for Glacier Park International Airport, and I know it will be put to good use to support travel and commerce in northern Montana for years to come,” Tester said in a statement celebrating the award.

Tester previously secured $2.8 million for Glacier Park International Airport as a part of the more than $14 million that will be awarded to the airport over five years, according to the statement.

Reporter Adrian Knowler can be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.