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Assembly approves MOA with FAA, state for Sitka seaplane-base project after historic-preservation mitigation
Summary
The assembly approved a memorandum of agreement with the FAA and State Historic Preservation Officer to advance NEPA/Section 106 compliance for the Sitka seaplane base; mitigation includes historic building surveys, interpretive panels and archaeological monitoring, and the project expects a high federal funding share.
The assembly approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Federal Aviation Administration and the State Historic Preservation Officer to move the Sitka seaplane base project forward through environmental and historic-preservation reviews.
Public Works Director Mark told the assembly the project has been at 65% design and was awaiting NEPA and Section 106 outcomes. The MOA lays out mitigation steps for impacts to historic structures on Japonski Island, including a Historic American Buildings Survey for affected structures, lowering upland elevation connections to reduce visual impacts, and creation of an interpretive panel for visitors. Mark said construction-phase monitoring would require a Secretary of the Interior–qualified archaeologist on-site if cultural resources are discovered.
The MOA anticipates a high federal funding percentage for construction (he cited roughly 93–97% federal participation), reducing local matching costs. Estimated construction costs remain preliminary — Mark provided a rough range of $40–45 million for the overall project once design is complete.
Assembly members asked specific questions about the passenger waiting area (a covered shelter rather than a full building) and concerns about preserving broader history of Japonski Island; staff noted tribes and historic-preservation stakeholders were consulted and that the MOA includes cultural-monitoring provisions.
The assembly voted to approve the MOA 7–0.
