Land Use

Airport Master Plan Open House - Thursday, May 23!

Say NO to airport plans for new North/South runway!  

The Airport has included a proposal for a new North/South runway in their recent Master Plan.  How would this proposal impact Anchorage's quality of life and why should it be excluded from the master plan? 

Impacts to Quality of Life: 

The Coastal Trail is a top attraction in Anchorage that is well used by residents and visitors alike.  Pt. Woronzof Park is one of the last remaining natural areas of the trail and an important buffer between the trail and airport.  The majority of the runway would be on top of the existing Coastal Trail, Pt. Woronzof Park and extended into Cook Inlet.  A large tunnel would most likely be created to ensure a contiguous trail making skiing difficult in the winter and creating public safety issues in the Summer.  The Airport would need to acquire Pt. Woronzof Park and that would require a vote of the people since it is dedicated parkland.

Lack of Funding: 

With Federal sequestration and Alaska tightening state budgets, it is unclear how such a huge project would be funded.  It is certain to raise ticket prices for users coming in and out of Anchorage with increased airline fees for maintenance.  

Questionable Forecasting Numbers: 

The forecasting numbers used are questionable at best.  The Alaska Dispatch and Airport Director agree that cargo traffic is down 25% since 2007. Read the article BY CLICKING HERE. That trend is not expected to change anytime soon.  UPS and Fed Ex, the major cargo carriers have expressed concerns about this proposal as well.  They are the largest users of the airport.  

Show up to the Airport Open House on Thursday, May 23, at 5:30pm at Coast International Inn (3450 Aviation Ave).  Tell the Airport to remove all draft alternatives with a new runway in their master plan.