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Wasilla advisory panel hears Taxiway Kilo update; Ahtna low bidder readies pre-construction work
Summary
Airport staff told the Wasilla Airport Advisory Committee that Ahtna was the low bidder for the Taxiway Kilo project and that pre-construction work is underway, with on‑site equipment staging this winter and most heavy construction planned for next summer. The board was briefed on haul‑route safety, permitting for expanded on‑site disposal, and FAA environmental review.
The Wasilla Airport Advisory Committee on Nov. 20 received a detailed update on the Taxiway Kilo reconstruction project, including contractor selection, staging plans and environmental permitting.
Mister Shaw, speaking as airport staff, said the project is “starting taxiway kilo” and that Ahtna was the low bidder among 11 proposals. He said the contractor completed pre-construction meetings to introduce superintendents, project managers and subcontractors, and is assembling required paperwork before the city issues a notice to proceed.
Shaw said Ahtna may move some equipment onto the airfield before winter but does not expect major construction work until next summer; monthly progress meetings will shift to weekly once active work ramps up. He described coordination with HDL (designers) and the city’s contract administrators on the flow of information, submittal reviews and the contractor’s safety and haul‑route plans. “They have to explain how they’re gonna operate within that,” he said, noting proximity constraints near the AWOS and other airfield structures.
Staff also told the panel that the current permitted on‑site waste disposal area can accept about 70% of material to be moved; HDL is pursuing an FAA environmental review and an expansion of the permitted disposal area to accommodate the remaining roughly 30% so the city can avoid off‑site trucking of valuable material.
When board members asked whether the recent federal FAA furlough affected local reviews, Shaw said local FAA staff continued to process Wasilla items and the project has not been delayed. He said Ahtna’s haul‑route and submittal plans are expected within a few weeks, and that more detailed traffic, dust‑control and site management plans will be submitted before heavy work begins.
Next steps include completion of outstanding submittals from the contractor, continued coordination with HDL and FAA environmental review; staff warned that most of the earth‑moving and paving work is slated for the next construction season.
