U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Representative Ryan Zinke, sent a letter on Mar. 10 to the Federal Aviation Administration urging the inclusion of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in a new pilot program for transitioning contract towers to FAA-operated air traffic control towers.
The request comes as Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), Montana’s busiest commercial airport, faces ongoing staffing challenges at its current Federal Contract Tower. The lawmakers said these issues have threatened the airport’s ability to maintain safe and efficient operations.
“As you know, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 directs the FAA to establish the pilot program no later than 18 months after enactment and to prioritize contract towers that meet specific tower operations and passenger enplanement criteria. The Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which was recently signed into law, provides $6 million for the pilot program as well. The FAA is now well positioned to move forward expeditiously in carrying out the program and we believe BZN should be one of the first airports selected for consideration,” Daines, Sheehy, and Zinke wrote in their letter.
Bozeman Yellowstone International currently operates as a Federal Contract Tower staffed by private company employees rather than those from the FAA. The recent passage of both the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act—which created this pilot transition program—and an appropriations bill providing $6 million for its implementation has set up conditions for airports like BZN to be considered based on metrics outlined in federal legislation.
Daines is closely connected to Bozeman; he grew up there as a fifth-generation Montanan attending public schools according to his official website. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Montana State University according to his official website and serves Montana in the U.S. Senate according to his official website. His public service includes constituent assistance and committee work according to his official website, as well as providing services such as help with federal agencies and veterans resources according to his official website. Daines has also received awards from the Congressional Management Foundation for transparency and staff support according to his official website.
The lawmakers’ letter highlights BZN’s strong candidacy for participation in this new federal initiative. As federal agencies move forward with implementing these programs, observers will watch whether Bozeman’s airport is among those selected.
