Helena, Montana (January 11, 2021) - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT)’s Aeronautics Board approved $2 million in funding requests from thirty-five public-use airports during their Helena meeting December 29th/30th, 2020. The requests were for a variety of improvement projects that focused on lighting enhancements, runway, taxiway and apron reconstruction projects, land easements, perimeter fencing, building construction, and snow removal equipment.

Funding for this program is provided by a $0.045 / gallon tax on fuel sold to general aviation aircraft in Montana, which was increased during the 2019 Legislative session with the passing of HB661. Most of the money awarded in grants and loans each year goes to leverage 90/10 Federal (FAA) match dollars for large airport construction projects. Over $9 million of funds were requested by airports across the state. The Board awarded funds for 71 out of 116 different project requests for twenty-three of Montana’s public airports, to include federally and non-federally funded projects.

Any public airport is eligible to apply for assistance through the loan and grant program. Funds can be used for a wide variety of airport and aviation related projects. Applications for the funding are due for submission to MDT’s Aeronautics Division on November 15 each year, and the money is typically awarded in January of the following year. Although the money is awarded in January, the funds are not available until the beginning of the next fiscal year - July 1. During their meeting, the Montana Aeronautics Board reviews the applications and takes public comment before making their final award determinations for the upcoming fiscal year.

For more information regarding the program, please contact Marc McKee, MDT Aeronautics Division, at [email protected] or call (406) 444-9581.

ROUNDUP (ROUNDUP) *

Rehabilitate Taxiway

$7,733 $7,732

Rehabilitate Runway

$67,303 $67,303

Rehabilitate Apron

$20,430 $20,429