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Council briefed on Powell airport expansion plan aimed at attracting aerospace and FBO activity
Summary
City presenters described a three-phase airport expansion plan emphasizing hangar space, fixed-base operators and UAV-related manufacturing tied to a special FAA designation; staff listed steps including customer surveys, rental studies, preliminary engineering and grant readiness but requested no action.
City officials updated the Powell City Council on a multi-phase airport expansion strategy the presenters said is intended to attract aerospace-related businesses, increase hangar capacity and position the airport for fixed-base operator (FBO) services and light manufacturing.
Rebecca introduced the topic and a staff presenter outlined a three-phase approach: (1) continue to serve general aviation customers and survey demand, (2) identify and expand airport-use reserves to attract aerospace activity and FBOs, and (3) consider development of roughly 140 acres for balanced growth and business expansion subject to FAA constraints and community needs.
Presenters emphasized assets the airport offers, including proximity to Yellowstone and large federal lands, and said the airport has a special FAA designation relevant to GE Aeronautics work. "We're 1 of 6 airports that have this special designation," the presenter said, noting the designation could make the site attractive for UAV manufacturing, R&D and other aviation services.
Staff listed near-term action items: survey current and prospective general aviation customers to understand desired services; complete rental/fee studies; prepare marketing materials; obtain a preliminary engineering report; identify NEPA needs and cultural/environmental reviews; and prepare letters of interest required for Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant opportunities. The presenters said these steps are preparatory and that they were not asking the council for approval of a specific project at this time.
Council members thanked staff for the update and asked questions about timing and coordination with utilities and industry partners. Staff said they will continue engagement with utilities, update contact lists, and return with additional analyses and grant-ready materials as the planning work advances.
