Rep. Ryan Zinke U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official Website
Rep. Ryan Zinke U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official Website
Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke announced significant funding for infrastructure projects in Western Montana. Over $28.4 million has been allocated for the replacement of Sportsman Bridge in Bigfork, Montana. The new structure will feature an expanded deck width and improved seismic resiliency through a redundant girder system and geogrid reinforcement. Originally built in 1955, the current bridge no longer meets traffic standards.
Additionally, two grants have been awarded to airports in Kalispell and Missoula. The Missoula Montana Airport will receive $875,000 to support year-round service to Chicago with a revenue guarantee and marketing plan. Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell is set to use $2.5 million for terminal expansion and modernization efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency, capacity, and accessibility.
Congressman Zinke commented on the significance of these developments: “Montana has been ignored for decades on our infrastructure. When counties don’t have working bridges, roads, airports, or sewer systems, they can’t promote growth in their economies,” he said. “I am happy to be able to announce that with these grants we were able to get the Federal Government to pay attention to the needs of Montana.”
The detailed breakdown of the grants is as follows:
- The Montana Department of Transportation will receive $28,462,652 for replacing the existing two-lane bridge over the Flathead River on Montana Highway 82 in Flathead County.
- Glacier Park International Airport is granted $2,500,000 for its terminal expansion project.
- Missoula Montana Airport receives $875,000 for expanding service to Chicago.
Alerts Sign-up