Federal funding package to improve snow removal at Bozeman Airport

EBS EMPLOYEES

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport will receive $1,266,730 in federal funding to improve systems for eliminating snow and ice hazards on the runway.

In an email to EBS, airport president and CEO Brian Sprenger confirmed that the money released by Senator Jon Tester will be used for equipment to improve snow and ice removal. Sprenger wrote that this is the second of two grants, and this round of funding will cover three pieces of heavy machinery: two runway sweepers and one runway blower.

“Senator Tester plays a significant role in funding the airport improvement program from which these funds come,” Sprenger wrote in response to a question about Tester’s role in securing the grant.

A press release from Tester’s staff announced the funding on August 13 and hailed it as a success for Montana’s rural economy, as part of his larger effort to support rural airports during his six-year tenure. In the press release, Tester stated that the funding will help keep the Bozeman airport safe and reliable year-round.

“With Bozeman being one of the fastest growing cities in Montana, it is critical that the airport infrastructure is not only sufficient to handle the influx of tourists, but also to ensure that people in the community can go about their business and stay connected to the rest of the country,” Tester explained.

The funds will be available to Bozeman Airport within 45 days.