The Office of Congressman Ryan Zinke announced on May 12 that more than $25 million in Airport Improvement Program grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be used to upgrade infrastructure at six airports across Montana.
The funding is intended to improve safety, extend the life of airport facilities, and enhance operations for both pilots and passengers. The announcement highlights ongoing efforts to address aging infrastructure throughout the state.
“Infrastructure is a taxpayer investment not merely an expense,” said Ryan 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.”
According to details provided by Zinke’s office, the grants will fund runway, taxiway, apron, lighting, drainage, and access road improvements at airports in Hamilton, Deer Lodge, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Polson, and Bozeman. Specific projects include resealing runways at Ravalli County Airport; modernizing airfield components at Deer Lodge–City-County Airport; rehabilitating taxiways at Missoula Montana Airport; improving access roads at Yellowstone Airport; constructing new fencing for security at Polson Airport; and extending taxiways to support growth at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Ryan Zinke has represented Montana’s 1st district in Congress since 2023 after replacing Steve Daines. He previously served in the Montana Senate from 2009 to 2013 according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Born in Bozeman in 1961, he currently resides in Whitefish according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Zinke graduated from the University of Oregon with a BS degree in 1984 and earned another degree from National University in 1991 according to Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
The announcement reflects ongoing federal investment into regional transportation networks. The upgrades are expected to support continued aviation demand while maintaining compliance with federal standards.
