Starving on Pork

Glacier Park International Airport’s (FCA) ongoing expansion and modernization initiative has been furthered by a degree commensurate with $7.3-million federal tax-dollars.

The monies will sustain, to some small degree, the undertaking’s second phase, to include the expansion and renovation of the facility’s baggage claim area, rental car lot, and upstairs gates on the airport’s south side—so states FCA airport director Rob Ratkowski.

Mr. Ratkowski set forth he is thankful for the funds, though the amount awarded falls woefully short of the approximately $27-million requested through the so-called Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. The glaring disparity substantiates some lawmakers’ claims that the $1.25-trillion legislation allocates far more to nebulous special interests and pet-projects than it does to the refurbishment of crumbling U.S. domestic infrastructure.

In light of the shortfall, FCA officials have been forced to postpone numerous essential projects for purpose of prioritizing expansion of the airport’s main terminal. Among the shelved objectives are the purchase of new snow-removal equipment and the construction of a badly-needed passenger parking garage.

Mr. Ratkowski thanked Montana senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines, who wrote letters advocating the modest appropriation.

Senator Tester called the award a victory for Montana, stating: "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.

Senator Tester continued: “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."

The first phase of the FCA expansion project—which remains underway and is expected to be completed in 2025—includes the renovations and expansions of the airport’s ticketing area, Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, and the remaining sections of a new grand hall.

Mr. Ratkowski expressed hope vis-à-vis the securing of future federal funding for the multi-year FCA expansion and renovation project, asserting: "We're looking forward to charging ahead with Phase-two.”

FMI: www.dot.gov