KALISPELL, Montana— A $7.3 million federal grant will help fund the ongoing expansion and modernization of Glacier Park International Airport, located just northeast of Kalispell, Montana.
The funding comes from the 2023 federal budget and appropriations package and will be used to expand the airport’s commercial apron and increase its capacity, according to a press release from U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.
The money will go toward the second phase of the airport project, including expanding and renovating the baggage claim area, the rental car lot and the upstairs gates on the south side of the airport, the Daily Inter Lake reported in July.
The first phase of the expansion project is still underway. Work includes renovating and expanding the ticketing area, the remainder of the TSA checkpoint, and the remaining sections of the new grand hall. Airport officials expect the first phase to be completed in 2025.
“Expanding transportation infrastructure is critical for supporting Montana’s rural communities – especially in places like Glacier, where folks rely on tourism and the recreational economy to make a good living,” Tester said in the July 5 press release. “Expanding Glacier Airport will have a real positive impact on small businesses in the Flathead and across northwest Montana, and I’m proud to have secured federal dollars to get this done.”
In February, Tester announced $7.3 million in funding for the airport to modernize and expand its existing terminal building through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program. Glacier Park International Airport will use the money to expand the existing terminal by adding a new gate, passenger screening space and restrooms and increasing hold room space and the bag claim area.
For more information, visit gpiexpansion.com.
