Denali Area Airport Planning Study

The Denali Area Airport Planning Study (DAAPS) identified alternatives to create a regional airport system that enhances safety and access for residents and visitors.

The State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) conducted an aviation system planning study for airports serving the residents, visitors, agencies, and businesses of the Denali Borough. DOT&PF contracted with RESPEC Company, LLC (RESPEC; formerly PDC Engineers) to lead the consultant team, which included DOWL, Uqaqti, Information Insights, and Marshall Arts Design.

The Denali Area Airport Planning Study (DAAPS) was funded by an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and conducted in accordance with FAA policies, procedures, and guidance for Aviation System Planning ( AC 150/5070-7 Change 1). The purpose of airport system planning is to assess the public-use airports, determine if they meet the needs of the area, and recommend future airport infrastructure investment that aligns with federal priorities and state and local objectives. This dynamic process depends on active participation from all stakeholders to gather accurate information, identify issues, address concerns, document needs, and explore alternatives.

The FAA recommends the following elements for inclusion in the process:

• Significant, inclusive, and meaningful collaboration with stakeholders throughout the process
• Exploration of issues/concerns impacting aviation in the area
• Inventory of the current system, assess existing conditions and constraints
• Identification of air transportation needs and evaluation of system resiliency
• Aviation and economic forecasts
• Exploration of alternatives to the existing airport system
• Recommendations for airport development, priorities, and funding strategies
• Implementation plan and final report

DOT&PF and the FAA embrace the importance of incorporating public and agency involvement throughout the planning process. Denali National Park and Preserve and the surrounding area are state and national resources that attract visitors from nearby communities and around the world, playing a significant role in the local and state economies. The Denali Borough is also home to many year-round residents whose needs may differ from visitors, summer tourism businesses, and seasonal residents. The RESPEC team worked with government units, organizations, tribal entities, businesses, and a wide range of federal and state agencies to identify and include all stakeholders both within the Denali Borough and beyond.

×