Entrepreneur pitches year‑round "Runway Bites" at Canyon Ferry; board says county approval and site work required

A local entrepreneur told the Broadwater County Airport Board he would like to operate a year‑round aviation‑themed food business called "Runway Bites" at Canyon Ferry Airport, but the board said several operational and policy hurdles must be cleared before the proposal advances.

William Wells presented a concept that would operate from a food trailer or a finished prefab structure with a covered, enclosed picnic area for winter use. He said a permanent building would require on‑site water and septic, which the proposed airport parcel currently lacks; a food trailer could operate with portable water deliveries and avoid permanent utility work. Wells proposed a 50 ft x 50 ft pad and said he would coordinate site planning with airport manager Dwight Thompson.

Board members emphasized that the airport is county property; county commissioners will have to approve any lease or building change. The board also noted a standing board policy that discourages new permanent buildings on airport property — a policy that would need to be reconsidered or waived. Staff recommended a site visit and engineering review to check access without allowing vehicles onto active taxiways and to confirm any additional approvals needed from other agencies (for example, sanitary permitting).

The board asked Wells to provide a detailed site layout and to meet with staff for a walk‑through. The item will be placed on a future agenda after staff and the applicant complete site review and consult the county commission.