(Juneau, Alaska) – Last week, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) joined the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in signing the Gravina Access Project Record of Decision and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

This milestone clears the way for DOT&PF to begin final design and start construction associated with the Gravina Access Project.

The purpose of the Gravina Access Project is to improve transportation between Ketchikan and Saxman on Revillagigedo Island and the Ketchikan International Airport and developable land on Gravina Island.

The selected alternative, G4v, includes:

• The reconstruction of existing airport ferry berths;
• Improvements to pedestrian facilities at the airport ferry terminals;
• A new heavy freight mooring facility and new ferry layup dock on Gravina Island;
• Shuttle vans for transportation to and from the airport;
• Upland improvements to Gravina pedestrian access; and
• Replacement of the Airport Creek bridge and reconstruction of portions of Seley Road.

DOT&PF is working closely with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough on design details of the various projects. Once those agreements are completed, DOT&PF can begin final design with a goal of starting construction before 2019 and completing by 2021.

Last fall, Governor Walker committed to investing in Ketchikan the $96.8 million originally allocated to the project. Estimated cost for the Gravina Access Project is $45 million. Additional potential linked developments on Gravina and Revillagigedo Islands would use the remainder of the original project funds. Federal money previously set aside for improving Ketchikan’s connection to the airport will be used to finance design, construction and related activities.

Additional project information is available at dot.alaska.gov/sereg/projects/gravina_access. Copies of the final review documents can be found in Ketchikan at the City, Borough, and tribal council offices and area libraries.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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