air cargo development in the state of Montana, we think,” Roach states. Another significant development has added to the excitement that Roach exudes for the airport’s economic prospects. “Within the last few years, Rocky Vista University has opened a medical school in Billings, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, in conjunction with the construction of a new doctor of veterinary medicine school.” “Classes are expected to begin in about 12 to 18 months, and this will be Montana’s only doctor of veterinary medicine school as well as their medical school,” Roach summarizes. Roach notes that the medical facilities are very significant for the area that Billings Logan serves. “Agriculture is our number one industry in Montana, and having trained veterinarians available is critical to the agricultural industry.” The airport, Roach illustrates, is also positioned perfectly to help facilitate medical flights in and out of the area, situated down the road of what is referred to as the Billings medical corridor. “We have two major hospitals in Billings, and one of those is currently under construction with a new 14-story hospital facility just down the street from the airport- a less than five-minute drive from the terminal. This new addition represents about a billion dollars’ worth of construction over the next five years,” he signifies. “There are also numerous subsidiary medical offices and clinics in the same general area. Aircraft from both hospitals are based here at the airport, and they leave from the airport and go get the passengers and transport them to the hospital. They also transport passengers from the hospital to the airport who are going to then fly out for additional specialty care, such as in larger nearby centers including Salt Lake City and Denver. 166 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 09
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx