Work started Monday on a $9.8 million rehabilitation project at the Haines airport.
According to the state Department of Transportation’s website, the two-year project includes drainage improvements that will eliminate ponding areas and other maintenance concerns. Pavement rehabilitation will include resurfacing the apron, taxiways, and the runway at several locations.
“When it’s bad, it’s lakes out here,” said Diana Lambrecht, station manager for Alaska Seaplanes. “You’re moving freight, passengers and planes through it. In winter, it’s ice they’re walking across. The planes have actually frozen (in) in the past.”
Lynette Campbell, aviation leasing chief for DOT’s Southeast region, said the work will raise the apron as much as 2.5 inches at center, sloping on either side. The airport’s footprint won’t change.
The project involves demolishing two hangars and moving two others, and also will remediate soil under the hangar of shuttered airline L.A.B. Flying Service, Campbell said.
Campbell said the project will include trying a new tie-down design and installing heating units in drains to prevent freezing.
A septic system in the airport’s terminal building, formerly occupied by Wings of Alaska, will be replaced with a new system that complies with environmental regulations, she said.
The project includes installing lighting and repairing fencing. Completion is set for October 2018.