Runway rehabilitation and new emergency facility aim to enhance safety, efficiency and long-term growth in Montana
KALISPELL, Mont. – Jacobs has been selected to deliver key Glacier Park International Airport upgrades, including a full runway rehabilitation and the design of a new aircraft rescue and snow removal facility, as passenger traffic continues to rise at the Montana airport.
The projects are designed to strengthen safety, improve operational efficiency and support long-term economic growth in the region.
Runway 2/20 Rehabilitation Underway
Jacobs will oversee design and provide construction-phase services for the full rehabilitation of Runway 2/20, the airport’s primary runway. The project is funded through a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant.
Scope of work includes:
- Project execution planning
- On-site coordination
- Quality assurance oversight
- Measures to minimize operational disruptions
The rehabilitation will ensure the runway remains structurally sound and compliant with federal standards while supporting continued growth in air traffic.
New Aircraft Rescue and Snow Removal Facility Planned
In addition to runway work, Jacobs is preparing 30% design documents for a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting and Snow Removal Equipment facility.
The proposed 50,000 to 60,000-square-foot building will:
- Consolidate emergency response operations
- Centralize snow removal equipment storage and maintenance
- Meet FAA design standards
- Include modern crew amenities and advanced maintenance bays
- Integrate sustainable site improvements
The facility is intended to improve response times and operational coordination, particularly during Montana’s harsh winter conditions.
Supporting a Growing Regional Hub
Jacobs has partnered with the Flathead Municipal Airport Authority since 2007, providing planning, design and construction support services.
According to Jacobs Aviation Market Director – Americas Steve Pelham, passenger traffic at Glacier Park International Airport has grown more than 11% since 2024. The airport serves as a primary gateway for visitors traveling to Glacier National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
Pelham noted that maintaining runway integrity and strengthening emergency infrastructure are essential to supporting both community connectivity and the region’s tourism-driven economy.
Long-Term Investment in Community Infrastructure
Airports play a central role in connecting communities, supporting tourism and driving local economic activity. The Glacier Park International Airport upgrades are aimed at preserving critical infrastructure while positioning the airport to meet future demand safely and efficiently.
With construction and design efforts progressing, the improvements are expected to help sustain reliable operations at one of Montana’s key transportation hubs for decades to come.
