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Item 1.G.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 11/10/2025 |
| Title: | Final Airport Property Acquisition |
| Presented by: | Jeff Roach |
| Department: | Airport |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review: | Yes |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the final acquisition of 123.52 acres of vacant property for the airport
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
In late 2024, the Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) was approached by David Moreledge, representing Dr. Morledge Family, LLC, with an offer to sell 123.52 acres of vacant property bordering the airport's northern property line (C.O.S. 2795 Parcel D). This property is near the north end of the newly extended Runway 7-25. This property acquisition is important to the airport for the protection of airspace around the airport, protection from encroachment of non-compatible land use, and a portion of the property would be available for future aeronautical development. Increasing the buffer distance around the airport from residential and other noncompatible land uses will make the airport a better neighbor. In addition, the developable land near the airport's runway and taxiway infrastructure will improve the revenue-generating potential of the airport.
To meet the FAA eligibility requirement for reimbursement for land acquisition, a property appraisal and a second review appraisal were completed. The appraised value of the property is $1,145,000. After lengthy negotiations, a purchase price of $1,500,000 was agreed upon by the Dr. Morledge Family, LLC. On September 22nd, the City Council approved the buy-sell agreement. Staff is now requesting approval of the final purchase of the property.
To meet the FAA eligibility requirement for reimbursement for land acquisition, a property appraisal and a second review appraisal were completed. The appraised value of the property is $1,145,000. After lengthy negotiations, a purchase price of $1,500,000 was agreed upon by the Dr. Morledge Family, LLC. On September 22nd, the City Council approved the buy-sell agreement. Staff is now requesting approval of the final purchase of the property.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Approve the final acquisition of 123.52 acres of property for $1,500,000 for the protection of the airport's airspace and future development opportunities; or,
- Not Approve the airport property acquisition.
FISCAL EFFECTS
The cost of the property acquisition is $1,500,000. Sufficient local funds are available for this property acquisition, and the airport will seek reimbursement from the FAA for up to 95% of the appraised value of the property.