Overview of the Airport Authority
The Helena Regional Airport is owned and operated by the Helena Regional Airport Authority, which was established in 1993 by the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County under Title 67 of the Montana Code. The primary purpose for creating the Airport Authority was to establish a self-sustaining entity to operate the airport, removing the burden of funding from local taxpayers in Helena and Lewis and Clark County.
The Airport Authority is governed by a seven-member Board that sets the rules and operating procedures for the airport. The City of Helena appoints three members, while the County appoints three, and the seventh member is jointly appointed by both the City and County. The Airport Director is responsible for the daily operations and overall management of the airport.
The Helena Regional Airport Authority does not receive local tax dollars. However, it does receive federal funding for capital improvement projects, as approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These FAA funds are derived from a nationwide fee on airline tickets, aviation fuel sales, and air cargo transactions.
Operating similarly to a business, the airport generates revenue from various sources to fund its operational and maintenance needs. These revenue streams include both aeronautical and non-aeronautical activities that take place at the airport. Many of these activities contribute significantly to the taxable income base of the City of Helena, while also providing the necessary funds to ensure the airport’s continued operation and upkeep.
