Scammon Bay Airport Planning Study

State/Federal Project No: CFAPT01005/AIP 3-02-0255-005-2023

Project Status:

DOT&PF is initiating Phase II of the planning study to further evaluate the feasibility of the alternatives identified in Phase I. Revisions of the Phase I study are underway. A public meeting will be held after funding is awarded for the project.

Project Overview:

Scammon Bay is a remote community located near the Bering Sea, along the Kun River. Scammon Bay is not on the road system. The airport is essential infrastructure for access to medical care and food.

The purpose of this project is to improve the safety and resiliency of airport infrastructure in Scammon Bay. The airport is threatened by riverine flooding that overtops the airport every five to ten years. The airport is expected to be impacted by major flooding before 2030; the most recent major flood was in 2022.

Phase I of this study provided a high-level evaluation of preliminary alternatives and recommendations based on existing data and technical studies that focused on the current airport location and potential runway shift.  After further review, DOT&PF and the funding agency determined additional technical information, cost, and constructability analysis were necessary to ensure feasibility of safety, cost, constructability, and long-term resiliency.

The planning study was initially expected to be conducted in two or three phases. The project may include up to four phases, which are:

1. Feasibility Study Phase I
2. Feasibility Study Phase II
3. Reconnaissance Study
4. Airport Layout Plan and Survey

Work on this project to date includes:

• Public Involvement (Last Public Meeting June 2024)
• Alternatives Evaluation
• Coastal Report (Alternatives I and II)
• Cultural Resource Overview
• Forecast
• Geotechnical Study (Alternatives I and II)
• Hydrology & Hydraulics Report (Alternatives I and II)
• Inventory
• Needs Assessment

Flooding 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 airport is expected to be impacted by major flooding again before 2030.

What does the flooding look like?

Phase I Recommendations:

DOT&PF considered five alternatives that were presented at the June 18, 2024, public meeting:

• Alternative 1 (No Action) would not resolve the erosion and flooding threats.

• Alternative 2 (Shift & Raise) would shift the runway 340 feet inland along its current alignment as protection from river movement. This alternative includes raising the surface elevation and installing erosion protection.

• Alternative 3 (Near) would move the airport onto the lowlands, near the community of Scammon Bay. 

• Alternative 4 (Castle Hill) would move the Airport to the valley between Castle Hill and the Askinuk Mountains. 

• Alternative 5 (Ridgeline) would move the Airport to the ridgeline above Scammon Bay in the Askinuk Mountains.

DOT&PF recommended Alternative 2 in the Draft Scammon Bay Feasibility Study in September 2024, consistent with public comments. DOT&PF and the funding agency later determined additional analysis was needed to ensure feasibility of safety, cost, constructability, and long-term resiliency.

Next Steps:

DOT&PF is initiating a Phase II study to further evaluate three alternatives to comply with federal funding requirements. The three alternatives are:

• Alternative 1 (No Action)
• Alternative 2 (Shift & Raise)
• Alternative 4 (Castle Hill)

The alternatives will be further analyzed for safety, cost, constructability, and resiliency. Additional geotechnical analysis, material resource review, hydrology and hydraulics analysis will be conducted for Alternative III.  The scope may be revised if requested by the funding agency.

PLEASE CONTACT US AND PROVIDE COMMENTS

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.