Wasilla airport committee reviews budget, staffing and $17 million Taxiway Kilo expansion tied to runway plans

The Wasilla Airport Advisory Committee on April 17 heard staff updates on budget requests and operations, and a detailed briefing on Taxiway Kilo — a proposed commercial hangar and tie‑down development tied into longer‑term runway extension plans and federal grant funding.

The committee’s discussion centered on three near‑term budget items and several capital moves that officials said would support larger future runway work: (1) a proposed half‑time position split 50/50 between roads and airports; (2) perimeter‑fence repairs that staff say are eligible for FAA grant funding but are on hold pending FAA grant paperwork; and (3) Taxiway Kilo, a roughly $17 million development the city is pitching for federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) support and that officials say would add lease lots and hangars on fill built during earlier airport work.

“ What we are asking for is a half time position split between airports and roads,” said Mr. Shaw, airport staff, describing a position intended to provide dedicated equipment operation and maintenance support for both divisions. Staff said the split would formalize current arrangements and help the city sustain snow removal, pavement work and apron maintenance as projects ramp up.

On perimeter fencing, staff reported extensive spring brushing and clearing of fence lines, noting more than 1,000 feet of frost‑jacked fence must be replaced. “And we’re waiting for them to fix their…