New Information on FAA Runway Extension Proposals (unconfirmed)

This information comes from an unconfirmed source:
New alternatives from the FAA. They have really scaled back on runway
18/36 to the North. They seem to favor new alternative 3. Extend
north end 450' with EMAS, extend south end 240' no EMAS. The new Alt 2
is extend north 240' w/ EMAS, extend south 600' no EMAS. Runway 7/25 is
now looking like: extend 600' to the east with 400' of EMAS.

FAA update 03 March 2011 Leslie Grey reaction to Kodiak meetings

I want to thank those of you who were able to participate in our recent
meetings concerning the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Kodiak
Airport.  As we mentioned in our discussions of runway safety area (RSA)
alternatives, FAA has put a lot of time and effort into exploring methods
for improving RSAs on two of the runways.  I hope everyone who attended the
meetings would agree that there are significant limitations on what can be
done to improve RSAs without adversely affecting Airport operations and
service.  Nevertheless, we heard some great questions and comments that
further emphasize the need for FAA to confirm our preliminary conclusions
and validate any assumptions used in developing a range of EIS
alternatives.
 
The comments, questions and criticisms generated at these meetings are not
only helpful, but always presented in a constructive manner, and I
personally appreciate the honest feedback.  As I promised during the
meetings, we will work hard to address all of the issues you raised. In the
coming months, I expect to send you periodic project updates that will
provide responses to the more substantive questions and concerns.
 
Please don’t hesitate to call or write if you have questions about the
project.  And, as always, please let me know if you should no longer be on
our e-mail distribution list, or if your contact information has changed.
If there are others in your organization who should receive these updates
and other information concerning the Kodiak Airport EIS, please forward
this message.  Thanks!  Leslie
 
Leslie A. Grey
Environmental Protection Specialist
FAA - Alaskan Region, Airports Division
907-271-5453

FAA update 08 Feb 2011 from Leslie Grey

I would like to update you on the status and progress of the Kodiak Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) currently underway.  The Federal Aviation Administration is preparing this EIS to evaluate actions proposed by the Airport Operator, the Alaska State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), to improve the Runway Safety Area (RSA).

For those of you that may be unfamiliar, the RSA is a clear and graded area surrounding a runway.  This area is there to minimize the severity of injury and aircraft damage in the event of an aircraft excursion.  The project in Kodiak is to improve the deficient RSA to the extent practical.

First, I would like to thank you for your patience and continued interest throughout the course of this project.  There has been a tremendous amount of work and progress since my last update in September 2010.  Since that last message, we have evaluated and updated a range of build alternatives that support operational needs, are reasonable, and are financially feasible.

We are currently in the process of scheduling meetings in both Kodiak and Anchorage with staff from cooperating agencies, coordinating agencies, and federally recognized tribal governments.  These meetings are a necessary part of the EIS process, and will assist us greatly in completing the Draft EIS in anticipation of a mid-summer 2010 release.

Our extended review comments and concerns generated from the preliminary draft EIS, as well as our development of updated build alternatives has impacted our schedule.  Despite that impact, we still plan to release the Draft EIS as close to the above schedule of mid-summer 2010 as possible.  As that date approaches, I will continue to provide updates letting you know were we are.  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the number or e-mail address below.

Finally, if you no longer want updates, please let me know, and I will remove you from our mailing list.  Additionally, if you know of someone that needs to be included, but is not, please forward this message, and have them contact me for inclusion in future updates.

Thank you so much, Leslie

Leslie A. Grey
Environmental Protection Specialist
FAA - Alaskan Region, Airports Division
907-271-5453