BUTTE – The Bert-Mooney Airport is ready for the departure of its old terminal.
“We are shooting for March. It has been delayed a little bit, but our goal now is March,” said airport manager Pam Chamberlin.
The old terminal has been sitting dormant since February after the new $10.5 million terminal was opened. The airport must move some FAA navigation equipment from the old terminal before they demolish it at a cost of about $380,000. Airport officials said it was time for a new terminal.
“The building is very old, it was originally built in ’66 with additions over the years and it was decided that it would be more cost effective to build a new terminal,” said Chamberlin.
Once the old terminal is removed, the airport will make use of the extra space.
“We do plan on putting some overflow and rental car parking in the area where the terminal was to free up some parking out in the front in hopes for additional air services in the future,” said Chamberlin.
And while this big demolition project gets underway this spring, the Butte airport also has big plans to get a new flight into Butte.
“We are working on trying to get a United flight to Denver, working on trying to obtain that, it’s been a process, so we’re currently trying to get that service,” said Chamberlin.
Chamberlin adds that she’s happy with the new terminal and believes it makes a good first impression on travelers coming to Butte. The demolish work will not interrupt flights or services at the airport.
