Kenai Airport Commission hears runway rehab timeline, reviews four master-plan alternatives and approves routine measures

HUDL Engineering consultant Eric Jordan told the Kenai Airport Commission on Feb. 12 that the city is coordinating instrument‑flight procedures and expects to start runway reconstruction in mid‑May with a target completion in October, if weather permits. Jordan said the city is also pursuing special instrument procedures for a temporary runway designed to be in place before the primary runway closes.

Jordan described four draft alternatives in the airport master plan that will be shown at a public meeting next Thursday, Feb. 19, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The alternatives range from a no‑build option that preserves navigation‑easement work carried over from the 2017 plan, to options that expand commercial lease lots to the north, relocate the gravel runway to the west, reconfigure taxiways (including removing a segment of Taxiway Echo and rebuilding Taxiway Kilo), and add apron, de‑icing and transient parking to accommodate larger aircraft.

"We—xpect to be starting in mid May and being done by October," Jordan said, describing the runway rehabilitation schedule. He added that apron pavement maintenance (crack sealing and repairs) will be done under a separate contract, mostly at night, and that the contractor estimates about three weeks of work for the apron areas if weather allows. Jordan said three of the four repair phases would operate roughly 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.; one north area may be 24‑hour work, but contractors must maintain access for air carriers that arrive after evening hours.

On alternatives for new service, Jordan said the largest scenario would include a modest terminal expansion, additional vehicle parking and TSA implications if a larger carrier (he cited Alaska Airlines as an example) pursued service to Kenai. "Someone that big would require TSA," Jordan said, noting potential needs for additional baggage handling and a higher ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) index and related staffing and equipment.

Commissioners raised several operational concerns during the discussion, including potential loss or reallocation of Civil Air Patrol acreage, access constraints to west‑side development via Taxiway Sierra, and questions about the Polaris study figures used in a recent council presentation. One commissioner contested the study's summer flight‑per‑day estimate, saying, "They're not gonna curtail that many flights," and other commissioners pressed staff to submit written questions to the consultant so HDL (and presenter Valaire) can clarify the methodology.

The commission also handled routine business. By unanimous consent the commission approved the Jan. 8, 2026 minutes; recommended that city council approve the 2026 annual work plan goals; recommended approval of a special‑use permit for Rainbow River Lodge Aviation LLC (staff reported Chris Hart plans to rent a slip and run two vans for passenger transfers, with fuel available and operations expected to begin in May or June); and recommended a one‑year extension of the airport security contract with Guardian, with an option to extend up to four additional one‑year terms by mutual agreement. Staff told the commission Guardian has a current certificate of insurance and seeks renewal under the same terms.

Airport staff reported that a Runway Safety Action Team meeting is scheduled for April 21, and that Crowley Fuel representatives said they will replace a credit‑card fueling system and are planning an aboveground tank installation. The commission heard a city council report about several items (including approval of city property auctions, an interest‑free state revolving fund loan for a water treatment pump house to be forgiven on completion, and the council's appointment of Mr. Bremer to the airport commission).

Next steps: HDL encouraged commissioners and the public to attend the Feb. 19 public meeting to review large plan maps and provide written and marked feedback; staff said contractors will attend a future commission meeting as the runway project approaches procurement and construction milestones.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda as amended: approved by unanimous consent. - Approve Jan. 8, 2026 minutes: approved by unanimous consent. - Recommend council approve 2026 annual work plan goals: moved, seconded, forwarded by unanimous consent (recommendation to council). - Recommend council approve special‑use permit for Rainbow River Lodge Aviation LLC: staff report provided; recommendation approved by unanimous consent (outcome: forward to council for approval). - Recommend council approve one‑year extension of airport security contract with Guardian (option for four additional one‑year extensions by mutual agreement): approved by unanimous consent.

The commission adjourned after brief commissioner comments and follow‑ups on data questions for the Polaris study; staff was asked to forward commissioners' written questions to HDL/Valaire for clarification.