MISSOULA – President Donald Trump will be touching down in Missoula on Thursday, Oct. 18 for his third rally in Montana over the last four months.
He will be campaigning for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Matt Rosendale, who’s running against incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Jon Tester.
Preparations are in full swing and many questions still remain, one of those being where rally goers will park.
“Logistic-wise for customers coming here, it’s a challenge because we have limited parking. Campaign staff had to find an off-site venue, so now everyone has to be bussed in versus drive in and walk,” Aiport Deputy Director Brian Ellestad said. “Pedestrian traffic will not be permitted. Everyone has to get to the bus and come on over.”
As of Wednesday evening, Missoula International Airport officials say that parking for the event will not be on airport property and will be located east of Northstar off Corporate Way.
Shuttles from the remote parking area will start at 2 p.m. Officials are asking that visitors refrain from driving in front of the terminal unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
Parking for the Presidential Visit will NOT be on Airport property. It will be East of Northstar off Corporate way. Shuttles from the remote parking area will start at 2:00 PM. Please refrain from driving in front of the terminal unless picking up or dropping off passengers.
— Missoula Airport (@MissoulaAirport) October 17, 2018
Airport officials have been in close contact with the U.S. Secret Service and the Trump campaign planning for Thursday’s rally.
Ellestad said there is a lot of moving parts to President Trump’s visit
“Our focus will be on the inside of the fence per say – getting the aircraft safely here, working with secret service,” Ellestad said. “The County is providing resources and they’ll be really handling the streets and event itself.”
Ellestad says airport customers should plan for a little extra travel time due to heavy traffic in the area.
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