County says it denied Lone Star’s FAA complaint and approves airport grant, contract and notice to proceed

County attorney Paul told the commission that Lone Star Land & Cattle Company filed a national‑office (Part 16) complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration alleging that recently adopted airport landing fees were unreasonably high, implemented without adequate consultation and discriminatory against larger aircraft. Paul said the airport previously faced a Part 13 regional complaint in 2024 that was denied by the FAA regional office; the new complaint expands those earlier allegations.

"We responded to the complaint, denying all of the allegations," Paul said, explaining that Lone Star has 10 days to respond to the county's filing and that he is unsure whether the FAA will require a hearing or issue a decision without one.

Airport manager Hunter told the commission the airport and its board had spent more than two years in public meetings discussing landing fees to balance the airport budget and avoid shifting costs onto Park County taxpayers. Hunter said the regional office previously found the airport compliant and he expects a similar outcome from the national office.

Separately, the commission approved a Montana Department of Transportation grant agreement to fund airport construction, accepted a construction contract with Hard Drives Construction Incorporated and signed the associated notice to proceed. Staff said the application and contractor include required insurance certificates and attachments. Motions to approve the grant, the construction agreement and to sign the notice passed unanimously.

Why it matters: an FAA Part 16 complaint can prompt formal administrative review and (if sustained) potential remedies affecting airport fees or operations; the county's concurrent approvals advance planned construction work funded by MDT.

What’s next: Lone Star has 10 days to respond to the county; Paul said the airport board had authorized the county attorney to respond on its behalf. The FAA national office will determine whether additional procedures or a hearing are required.