Scammon Bay Airport Planning Study
State/Federal Project No: CFAPT01005/AIP 3-02-0255-005-2023
Project Overview
We are conducting an airport planning study for Scammon Bay, a remote community located near the Bering Sea, along the Kun River.
The airport is threatened by riverine flooding from the Kun River that overtops the airport every five to ten years. The Scammon Bay airport is expected to be impacted by major flooding sometime before 2030; the most recent major flood was in 2022.
Scammon Bay is not on the road system and the airport is a critical link to essential infrastructure, such as medical care.
The purpose of this project is to improve the safety of aviation infrastructure in Scammon Bay. This study will evaluate the airport and determine whether rehabilitating the airport in its current location, or relocating the airport, would be the most prudent long-term airport management decision.
Work on this project includes:
- Public Involvement
- Inventory
- Needs Assessment
- Forecast
- Alternatives Evaluation
Project Background:
Scammon Bay is 150 miles from Bethel and has a runway directly adjacent to the Kun River. The runway regularly floods, which removes the community's ability to access medical care. Erosion also continues to shorten the runway. This hazard is well documented, in the Scammon Bay Hazard Mitigation Plan, flood records, and in the Alaska Aviation System Plan.
The major question is if the runway should be moved or reinforced. A Coastal Report and Hydrology and Hydraulics Report have already been completed (links available on the right).
The planning study is the first of three phases of airport analysis, which are:
- Feasibility Study
- Reconnaissance Study
- Airport Layout Plan and Survey
What does the flooding look like?
Overview of Scammon Bay, Scammon Bay Airport, and the Kun River (Looking West)
2016 Flooding of the Runway
2022 Flooding of the Runway (Looking North, from the Foothills). Note the two (red and blue) airport snow removal equipment buildings on the right side of the picture.
Contact and Comment
Your input is valuable! Please review the documents and offer your comments on the project. The best contact information for the project is listed below.
This project is being developed in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
If you have questions or comments about the project, please contact: ScammonBayAirportPlan@stantec.com
Or reach out directly to:
Philana Miles, C.M.
Project Manager, DOT&PF
PO Box 196900
Anchorage, AK 99519-6900
(907) 269-0519
philana.miles@alaska.gov
It is the policy of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) that no person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of any and all programs or activities we provide based on race, religion, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin, regardless of the funding source including Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration and State of Alaska Funds. The DOT&PF complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, and/or special modifications to participate in this public meeting should contact:
Philana Miles, C.M., (907) 269-0519, text telephone (TDD) (907) 451-2363
Requests should be made at least 14 days before the accommodation is needed.
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