Board approves FAA grant applications for Libby and Eureka airports; consultants present costs and 5% local match

The Lincoln County Board voted to approve engineering task orders and to submit FAA grant applications for pavement maintenance projects at Libby and Eureka airports.

Tyler Reed, introducing the Missoula airport office team, told commissioners the FAA has urged submitting grant requests so available federal funding scheduled to expire next year can be used. "The FAA has been pushing us to request grants for these 2 projects just so they can utilize some funding that that is set to expire next year," Reed said.

Reed described two task orders (for engineering, project management, design and construction management closeout) and two grant applications. He said the FAA is offering 95% funding for these pavement projects; a 5% local match would be required. Reed estimated total construction for both projects at roughly $3,350,000 and said the combined 5% local match for construction and engineering would be in the neighborhood of $39,000–$40,000 if Montana Aeronautics did not reimburse the match. He added engineering-only local match could be about $8,000.

Commissioners asked about schedule and expected airport closures: Reed said the work would likely occur in late summer 2026 and that contractors are typically allowed about 14 calendar days to complete runway resurfacing closures, though projects often finish sooner.

A motion to approve the task orders and grant applications was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The county will sign and forward documents to the FAA and attempt to secure Montana Aeronautics assistance to cover the local match.

Next steps: county signs the grant applications and task orders; staff to pursue Montana Aeronautics funding to cover the 5% local match and finalize schedules with contractors.