Granite County airport board member resigns, warns $6 million federal grant at risk
January 26, 2026 | Granite County , Montana
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Dr. Gary Snyder, a board member and long-time pilot, announced his resignation from the Granite County Airport Advisory Board and told the group he will submit formal notice to county commissioners, saying he could no longer put his professional standing at risk.
“After seeing what went on with this board and seeing that the commissioners want to turn down $6,000,000 from the federal government because they have a problem with an airport beacon, I personally cannot put my professional standing at risk by staying on this board,” Dr. Gary Snyder said, adding he plans to work with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Federal Aviation Administration to contest the decision.
Snyder framed the dispute as potentially heading to federal court, saying the FAA and federal government ‘‘do not take kindly’’ to actions that block federally funded airport improvements. The board’s chair, David Lee, thanked Snyder for his service and acknowledged the limits of the board in taking political positions.
The resignation leaves the advisory board with multiple vacancies; the chair said three positions are now open. Members noted the gap complicates ongoing projects tied to federal funding and infrastructure work.
What happens next: Snyder said he will submit a written resignation to the commissioners and pursue administrative and legal avenues with aviation organizations. The board did not take a formal vote related to the beacon or the federal grant during the meeting; members discussed operational steps such as preserving power to beacon equipment and seeking guidance from manufacturers and service providers.
Why it matters: The board and some members indicated that federal Airport Improvement Program funds could be substantial for airport upgrades. Snyder’s departure underscores division between local officials and aviation stakeholders about the scope and management of Riddick Field’s future.
The advisory board left the matter of formal policy response to the county commissioners and to future coordination with state and federal aviation authorities.
“After seeing what went on with this board and seeing that the commissioners want to turn down $6,000,000 from the federal government because they have a problem with an airport beacon, I personally cannot put my professional standing at risk by staying on this board,” Dr. Gary Snyder said, adding he plans to work with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Federal Aviation Administration to contest the decision.
Snyder framed the dispute as potentially heading to federal court, saying the FAA and federal government ‘‘do not take kindly’’ to actions that block federally funded airport improvements. The board’s chair, David Lee, thanked Snyder for his service and acknowledged the limits of the board in taking political positions.
The resignation leaves the advisory board with multiple vacancies; the chair said three positions are now open. Members noted the gap complicates ongoing projects tied to federal funding and infrastructure work.
What happens next: Snyder said he will submit a written resignation to the commissioners and pursue administrative and legal avenues with aviation organizations. The board did not take a formal vote related to the beacon or the federal grant during the meeting; members discussed operational steps such as preserving power to beacon equipment and seeking guidance from manufacturers and service providers.
Why it matters: The board and some members indicated that federal Airport Improvement Program funds could be substantial for airport upgrades. Snyder’s departure underscores division between local officials and aviation stakeholders about the scope and management of Riddick Field’s future.
The advisory board left the matter of formal policy response to the county commissioners and to future coordination with state and federal aviation authorities.
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