Notice of Public Comment

Bettles Airport and Lighting

Project #: Z613940000

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is proposing to resurface the runway, apron and taxiway and replace the airport lighting. This project would provide the community with adequate access support the community and conform to current FAA safety regulations. The Bettles Airport is located in Bettles, Alaska. Bettles is located on the south bank of the Koyukuk River and east of where the John River flows into it.  Bettles is 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle just south of the Brooks Range.

DOT&PF are proposing the following improvements:

• Resurface the existing runway, taxiway, and apron. Resurfacing will be limited to existing embankment areas.

• Reconstruct or replace airport lighting components. Airport lighting and taxiway lighting will be at similar locations as existing embankments. Components of the electrical enclosure building will be replaced and new conduit may be required from the electrical enclosure building to the runway/taxiway and will be installed at the same location as existing conduits.

• Relocated the wind cone and segmented circle.

• Clearing of any obstructions, brush, and trees within the critical area, RPZ’s, and RSA, taxiway and apron.

• Apply dust palliative to runway, taxiway and apron surfaces.

Project work limits consists of the disturbed footprint of the runway, taxiway, apron, service road and embankments. There may be a limited amount of work beyond the existing embankments. It is anticipated existing airport material site to the northwest of the runway, and would be used for borrow and subbase material and, if needed, could include expansion of existing material sites.

This project is being developed in accordance with the following Executive Orders (EO):
EO12898 Environmental Justice,
EO 11990 Wetland Involvement,
EO 11593 Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Resources,
EO11988 Floodplain Management,
and EO13112 Invasive Species, as amended by EO 13751.

To submit comments, please contact Christopher Johnston, P.E., Engineering Manager, at (907) 451-2322 or chris.johnston@alaska.gov, TDD at (907)451-2363, or by mail to:

Christopher Johnston, P.E., Engineering Manager

Department of Transportation & Public Facilities

2301 Peger Road

Fairbanks, AK 99709-5316

Comments may be submitted until February 12, 2021

DOT&PF operates all programs without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, ability, or national origin. Full Title VI Nondiscrimination Policy: dot.alaska.gov/tvi_statement.shtml.