Tester Secures $7,300,000 for Kalispell Airport through his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Glacier Park International Airport to modernize and expand existing terminal building

As a direct result of his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $7,300,000 for Glacier Park International Airport to modernize and expand its existing terminal building through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program. Tester also wrote a letter of support to the FAA for Glacier Park International Airport’s grant application in December, 2022.

The Airport Terminal Program was created through Tester’s IIJA which he negotiated with a group of five Republican, four Democrats, and President Biden. Tester was also the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support IIJA.

“As the Flathead continues to grow, it’s critical that we keep families and small businesses connected with the reliable infrastructure that’ll keep pace with that expansion,” said Tester. “I was proud to work across the aisle to secure this funding for Glacier Park International Airport, and I know it will be put to good use to support travel and commerce in northern Montana for years to come. I’ll take on anyone in Washington to make sure our bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver results for rural America.”

Glacier Park International Airport will receive $7,300,000 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. 

Tester previously secured $2,864,698 through IIJA for Glacier Park International Airport as a part of the $14,323,490 that will be awarded to the airport over five years through the separate Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program, which can be used to construct or repair runways and taxiways as well as make terminal and gate improvements.

Tester worked across the aisle for months to negotiate the IIJA with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats, and the White House. Tester’s law is projected to create more than 800,000 American jobs and lower costs for businesses by making targeted investments that will strengthen our nation without raising taxes on working families.

Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the legislation, including $2.82 billion for Montana’s roads, highways and bridges; $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements; $1 billion to complete all authorized rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation; $65 billion to deploy broadband to areas across the country that lack internet access and additionally make online connectivity affordable; and $3.37 billion to reduce wildfire risk nationwide, among others. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America. A full list of Montana provisions in Tester’s bipartisan infrastructure law can be found HERE.