Chinook airport grant is up in the air

Federal officials last week announced a $625,136 grant for major runway improvements at the Edgar Obie Airport at Chinook, but Blaine County officials aren’t celebrating yet.

William Solem, secretary of the Blaine County Airport Commission, said there is no certainty the commission can raise the 10 percent match that is required for the grant.

“We're trying to come up with the money,” he said.

The commission oversees airports in Turner. Hogeland and Harlem, as well as Chinook.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., announced the grant Wednesday morn...