The Town Council of Stevensville has taken significant steps towards enhancing local airport infrastructure by approving a grant for a new fuel tank at the Stevensville Airport during a special meeting on August 8, 2025. The grant, amounting to $537,035, will be fully funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), allowing the town to replace an aging fuel tank currently under lease.

Council members discussed the implications of the new tank, emphasizing that it will eliminate lease fees and enable the town to generate meaningful revenue from fuel sales. The new tank is expected to be delivered within approximately 16 weeks after the grant approval, with the council planning to finalize contracts with subcontractors in the upcoming meetings.

In addition to the fuel tank, the council addressed questions regarding fuel pricing and taxes. Councilwoman Brown raised concerns about the collection of state fuel taxes, ensuring that the necessary fees are accounted for when purchasing fuel. The council confirmed that all applicable taxes are collected at the point of sale.

The meeting also touched on the logistics of fuel sales at the airport, clarifying that only approved containers can be used for purchasing aviation gasoline, which is subject to specific regulations.

As the council moves forward with the grant process, they are optimistic about the benefits the new infrastructure will bring to the community, including improved services and potential revenue growth. The council plans to keep the public informed as the project progresses, reinforcing their commitment to transparency and community engagement.