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Park County airport board authorizes $79,999 search for used tractor, prioritizes runway maintenance
Summary
The Park County Airport Board voted Nov. 25 to authorize up to $79,999 to search for a used tractor and attachments, prioritizing pavement maintenance, PAPI, and an instrument approach while noting FAA funding and Buy American limits for some projects.
The Park County Airport Board voted to authorize staff and board members to actively look for a used tractor with a ceiling of $79,999, and discussed priorities for the airport’s capital improvement plan.
Chair opened the discussion by listing the board’s capital priorities — pavement maintenance on a five-year cycle, a tractor for snow removal and turf maintenance, apron expansion, wildlife fencing and terminal rehabilitation — and asked staff to summarize grant status. Lance told the board the airport had applied to Montana Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration for maintenance funding, a PAPI light system and feasibility for an instrument approach, and that “maintenance, PAPI, and instrument approach procedure…are all moving forward.” He cautioned that eligibility does not guarantee available FAA money and noted procurement limits tied to Buy American rules for tractors.
Board members and public commenters debated practical needs and costs. A pilot and regular airport user, Ryan Rhodes, characterized tractor use as substantial for both snow removal and mowing, saying annual utilization could be “more like 175 to 180 hours a year.” Lance and other members said attachments such as blowers and snow-removal equipment are more likely to meet federal purchase requirements than the tractor itself, which has been difficult to source under Buy American rules.
After discussing budget constraints, procurement options and the possibility of matching funds from a newly formed nonprofit, the board approved the motion to search for a tractor up to $79,999. Chair said the onus is on the whole board to help locate options and that any purchase would require a subsequent consensus decision or a special meeting to finalize acquisition.
Next steps identified by the board include continuing FAA and Montana Aeronautics follow-up on grant requests, seeking local contractors and nonprofit matches, and reporting back to the board with specific purchase options before any final buy.
