U.S. Senator Jon Tester celebrated the grand opening of the new Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) terminal today, with funding for the project provided by his US rescue plan and other federal resources.
“As someone who flies in and out of Montana airports every week, I know firsthand how critical it is that you all have the resources and infrastructure to handle the growing travel demands of Montanans.” , said Tester. “This terminal expansion will create new, well-paying jobs in Missoula, keep western Montana residents connected to the world, and boost our already booming overseas economy by $7.1 billion. I am proud to have worked with you and with my colleagues in the Senate to get the US rescue planand additional pandemic relief programs, which helped make this expansion possible.
MSO’s terminal expansion is a multi-year, phased modernization project. Boasting additional concourse space, seating, concessions and improved Wi-Fi, the upgrade will increase airport capacity and bolster Missoula’s tourism economy. This critical project will not impact local taxes, and funding is coming from the Federal Aviation Administration, the State of Montana, and local funding, as well as approximately $5.37 million in ARPA fund for debt reduction. Senator Tester was the only member of the Montana delegation to vote for the US rescue plan which was enacted in March of last year.
Additionally, millions of funds from the tester’s CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Act have supported and the fourth coronavirus relief program will be used to cover operating expenses, freeing up resources to continue. the work needed during the pandemic.
MSO will also receive more than $17 million over five years from the bipartisan Infrastructure Act recently signed by Tester to continue its multi-phase modernization project. Safe tester about $144 million for 69 airports in Montana through its bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which will be awarded over five years through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Grants, which can be used to build or repair runways and taxiways as well as bring upgrades to terminals and gates. Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to vote for the legislation.
A complete list of Montana’s provisions in the bipartisan Tester Infrastructure Act is available. HERE.