Dear Ms. Olson:

Thank you for reaching out.  We too at the Department would prefer to retain the longer runway and do understand its importance to the community.  Unfortunately, the ground under the long runway has deteriorated due to the river action and will no longer safely support aircraft without significant repairs. The Department does not have the funds to restore the longer runway without a federal grant, and sadly, restoring it does not meet federal funding eligibility requirements. So, our desire to provide it is made impossible due to budget constraints and federal regulations.  In recognition of this dilemma, we have agreed with the City of Seward to plan for a future 4,000’ runway on the Airport Layout Plan documents, so if the city has funding to contribute or federal aircraft usage requirements are met, a longer runway can be built.  

Included are links to the website and the Project Purpose which may provide you with additional understanding. 

https://dot.alaska.gov/creg/sewardairport/ 

https://dot.alaska.gov/creg/sewardairport/purpose.shtml

Please don’t hesitate to reach out again with any further questions.

Thank you,

Jenelle R. (Bloomfield) Brinkman, P.E.

Aviation Design Group Chief

State of Alaska DOT&PF, Central Region Aviation Design Section
4111 Aviation Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska  99519-6900
Phone 907.269.0619 | Fax  907.243.4409