Powell council votes to support growth of Powell Airport, directs staff to assist with planning and grant efforts

Powell City Council voted to support plans to grow Powell Airport during its April 17 meeting after a multi-hour presentation from airport advisers, economic development staff and local operators.

Council members passed a motion—moved and seconded and approved by voice vote—that the council “supports growing the Powell Airport,” a nonbinding endorsement intended to advance planning, grant applications and outreach to potential aviation and aerospace tenants.

The council and airport advisers emphasized that utilities and a rental-rate study are immediate prerequisites to attracting private investment and larger tenants. Tom Roman, who described himself as operating UAS flight training at the airport, summarized the advisory board’s work and the airport’s assets, saying, “This airport’s been around since 1946,” and outlining a three‑phase master plan and a concurrent 10‑year master plan drafted by Kaufman Associates.

Why it matters: airport expansion proponents told the council the effort could increase hangar capacity, create an industrial park adjacent to the airfield and attract aviation, aerospace and defense‑industry firms that would create local jobs and tax revenue. The advisory commission and economic-development representatives identified several funding sources they intend to pursue, including the Wyoming Business Council (Business Ready Community program), the State Lands…