Townsend Airport Undergoes Major Improvements
Author: Broadwater County Commissioners
Townsend Airport Undergoes Major Improvements
Broadwater County Commissioners
The Broadwater County airport has received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and Montana Aeronautics to upgrade the aging existing runway, aviation parking apron, taxiways and airplane hangar areas.
The current runway, apron and taxiways are in need of replacement due to safety concerns, mainly large cracking. “The current runway has served the area well, after the original construction in 1993 and an overlay over 20 years ago in 2002. This longevity was accomplished because of the Townsend Airport Board and County Commissioners work diligently to maintain and lengthen the life of their pavements while trying to save local matching funds for the anticipated $6M construction project,” according to Lance Bowser, P.E Airport group manager for Robert Peccia Associates Engineering.
The Townsend airport currently supports two flight schools, a helicopter ag spraying operation relocating full time, seasonal base for aerial firefighting and ag airplane operations.
The airport is also used for medical transport. During 2024, EMS has logged 45 EMS transports, according to lead paramedic Cyrus Brandt. The airport is used by the typical mix of light aircraft for business, government and recreational purposes.
Dwight Thompson, County airport manager, explains that other upgrades planned include the installation of ground and in-flight guidance systems, new wind cones, and an airport beacon.
The County contributes to the cost with revenue from the sale of aviation fuel, hanger lease and property taxes.
Also planned is the replacement of the old runway lighting with new LED lighting, saving the county with reduced electrical power usage. Another improvement which was recently completed and not part of the FAA grant, was upgrading a new credit card reader for the 24-hour self-serve fueling system.
Past County Commissioner and professional pilot who served in Afghanistan, Darrel Folkvord says, “This project was a 3 three-year work in process. Our local airport is more important than many realize. It is a catalyst for economic development, but equally as important is the service it provides to our residents. Everyone worked hard, the airport board, engineering team, the FAA, State Aeronautics along with the Commissioners to see this project come to fruition.”
Current airport board chairman Adam MacDonald says, “This project has been many years in the making, and we are excited to see it move forward this spring. The Airport Board and Commissioners have been careful stewards of available funds for many years in anticipation of this needed project. The condition of the surfaces is currently rated at the low end of "fair", making the timing an ideal balance of fully utilizing the past expenditures without compromising safety or causing extra costs by further degradation. We recognize the temporary closing of the airport is an inconvenience to users of the airport, especially to our commercial operators. They have been very gracious, and we appreciate your understanding while we work to ensure the airport continues to be safe and effective for many years to come.”
Thompson adds that the volunteers of the airport board are a group with mixed backgrounds and levels of experience ranging from professional pilots to pilots who fly for pleasure, business owners and retired military. Their love of flying and community is the common bond with safe operations being a priority. They include Adam MacDonald (chairman), Robert Hollister (vice-chairman), Rob Bargatze, Jess Lancello, and Seth Wolfgram. Aubra Lewis is the board’s administrative assistant.
Some future projects include acquiring a snowplow, a runway instrument approach system so that medical and instrument-rated pilots can use the airport when weather is a factor, and a perimeter fence to keep animals off the runway. With the new ramp expansion, an area is being set aside for a future airplane mechanic to build and start a business. The board is planning an open house and fly-in once the project is completed.
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Image 1 Caption: Logo
Image 2 Caption: AG Use
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Image 3 Caption: Classic airplanes refueling
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Image 4 Caption: EMS - Billings Clinic
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Image 5 Caption: EMS - Life Flight
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