(U.S. Senate) - Just weeks after he helped break ground on Bert Mooney Airport's new state-of-the-art terminal, Senator Jon Tester announced today that the Butte airport will receive an additional $747,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to help complete the project.

"In a state as sprawling as Montana, air travel is an essential mode of transportation for many folks-both near and far," Tester said. "That's why this new terminal is not only exciting, but essential. In addition to improving the reliability and utility of Bert Mooney airport, this additional funding will support the local economy and businesses that call Butte home."

The award comes from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which has invested more than $25 million in Montana's airports this year. This new funding will supplement the $9.2 million Butte has already received for the project through the federal government.

Bert Mooney sustains over 100 employees and boards about 30,000 passengers each year. The airport's current terminal is more than 60 years old and no longer meets the basic security, functionality, and accessibility requirements of a modern airport.

"We are thrilled to receive additional assistance from the FAA," said Matt Vincent, Butte-Silver Bow's Chief Executive. "An updated terminal will be a huge boon to Butte's accessibility and economy, so we really appreciate all the support we've received throughout this project."

The project will be pivotal to Butte's ongoing revitalization efforts, creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities, and allowing for more commercial and recreational travel both in and out of the city. The new terminal is slated to be 39,000 square feet and feature a lobby, a ticketing area, conference space, TSA screening areas, food, retail, and a new baggage claim carousel.

Tester has worked hard to improve air travel infrastructure, both in the city of Butte and throughout the state of Montana. He fought to pass the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which extended funding for the agency days before it was set to expire back in July. This guaranteed future funding for state airports through the AIP and ensured the continued survival of the Essential Air Service Program, which has helped keep the cost of air travel low throughout Montana.