Airport staff reports progress on runway parcel purchases, announces master-plan public meeting; warns Glen Highway project could affect demand

Airport staff told the Wasilla Airport Advisory Commission on Jan. 16 that the city has taken the first step toward a planned runway extension by securing approval at a council meeting to purchase one of multiple parcels needed for the project.

A staff speaker said council action approved purchase of the first of six of roughly 20 parcels the city anticipates needing for the runway-extension project, describing the parcels as smaller subdivision lots off Ridgeline Way and noting purchases were based on an appraisal process following Federal Aviation Administration guidance. The staff speaker cautioned that a separate, much larger roughly 70-acre property across Aviation Avenue did not follow the same FAA process and may not receive FAA support for future expansion if acquired outside FAA expectations.

Staff reported the city reprogrammed about $400,000 from an existing capital-improvement project originally intended to extend a waterline on Aviation Avenue; staff said the waterline work is not needed in the near term and the funds were moved to support airport-related priorities. Staff indicated the city will return to the council for additional funding requests when needed, either through grants or general-fund requests.

The commission was told a public meeting for the airport master-plan process is scheduled for Feb. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Menard; the same presentation will be made to the Meadowlakes Community Council the following day. Staff said flyers and transportable signs will be used to promote turnout.

In staff comments later in the meeting, commissioners and staff raised the Glen Highway reconstruction between the interchange and Airport Heights, scheduled for 2026–2031, as a possible factor increasing demand for expanded airport service. Staff said the five-year highway project could add roughly 40 minutes to commutes into Anchorage at peak times and suggested the city could highlight that impact when pursuing FAA and other funding to accelerate runway expansion. Staff also suggested short-term air-taxi or commuter trials could be explored to help relieve road congestion during construction.

Staff discussed federal funding avenues the city is pursuing for runway extension, including congressional directed spending requests and other discretionary funding. A staff speaker referenced coordination with a deputy administrator and the need to resubmit or re-energize prior funding requests after federal delays.

No formal action or vote was taken on runway construction timing or use of the reprogrammed CIP funds during the meeting; staff said they would continue to pursue grants and work with the council on future requests.