Officials from the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County will consider proposals to provide 20 percent of the $50,000 in community matching funds needed to secure a Small Community Air Service Grant the airport authority hopes to use to lure United Express to begin air service here.

At a joint meeting of the city and county commissioners last week, each group decided to consider proposals to kick in $5,000, with the possibility of adding $2,500 apiece if fundraising efforts in the private sector fall short.

""I think it's reasonable," said Mayor Jim Smith. "What we'd like to do is prime the pump for private contributions, and I think that's a proper role for government from time to time."

County Commission Chair Mike Murray agreed, saying that 20 percent of the money coming from local governments "would really jump-start it."

Airport manager Ron Mercer and several others will visit Chicago next week to meet with United officials. He said early government support will bolster the airport's pitch.

"We were hopeful the city and county would be part of this early on, so that when we meet with United on Tuesday we can say that the city and county are supportive of this proposal."

Authority chairman Dan Ellison said the private sector will be tapped for contributions after the group returns from Chicago and the grant paperwork is in place.

"We had more than 100 letters of support from businesses and individuals, and we'll use that as a mailing list to reach out to a broader audience," he said.

Ellison noted that several businesses have already pledged funds without being formally asked.

Much of the $450,000 grant would be used as a revenue guarantee for United, to offset any revenue shortfalls the carrier might incur during its first two years here. The authority also indicated a plan to reduce a series of fees for all airlines that serve Helena -- including landing fees, building rent and jetway fees -- for two years after United arrives. That revenue would be made up for by United chipping in to pay the same fees. Smith said improved air service would help the region's economy.

"Non-stop service to Denver would be a big deal," he said. "There's not a meeting I sit in on with prospective entrants to Helena that air service doesn't come up."

Added Murray: "It should be an economic boon, as well as a convenience for travelers who have business or medical reasons to go to Denver."

Mercer doesn't expect to return from Chicago with a guaranteed start date for the new carrier, but hopes to have a strong indication that United will begin flight service here sometime in the summer of 2008.

Reporter John Harrington: 447-4080 or john.harrington@helenair.com.