By Denise Rivette
Having recently completed a $500,000 runway upgrade, Friends of the Red Lodge Airport (FRED) announced that they have raised $50,000 of the $100,000 needed to replace their aging 1,000 gallon fuel tank with a 6,000 tank. The larger tank will allow for a lower per-gallon price and the improved system will allow for commercial sales of aviation fuel and increased revenue generation for airport operations and maintenance. They are reaching out to the flying public and others who value the airport to raise the remaining funds needed.
In addition to recreational flying, the Red Lodge Airport (KRED) provides facilities supporting firefighting, search and rescue, medical life flights, and steps up in other emergencies like floods. In addition to emergencies, KRED participated in the reseeding effort after the Robertson Draw Fire, reconstruction of bridges and other infrastructure after the flood, and installation of new chairlift towers at the ski hill. Training for many of those activities also occurs at the airport.
KRED supports the community by hosting various events including the Beartooth Ball fundraiser, car shows, graduation during COVID-19, and parking for area events. Land dedicated to KRED is also used for the trails around the Airport and the Dog Park was originally on airport land.
Bo Ewald said, “The airport was created in it’s current location about 90 years ago by the federal government’s WPA on land provided by the City and County when they started work on the Beartooth Highway to help speed getting equipment and workers here. So, from the very start it has been a community and regional resource serving many functions.”
To contribute to the fuel tank project, make checks payable to Friends of Red Lodge Airport and mail to FRED Av Gas, P.O. Box 688, Red Lodge, MT 59068. If you have further questions, call Jim Pidgeon at 715-781-7054 or Bo Ewald at 406-425-1591.
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