Anchorage Assembly to take up nearly $954,000 for Merrill Field planning work

Merrill Field Airport would receive nearly $954,000 for planning work under two resolutions the Anchorage Municipal Assembly is scheduled to read Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The larger measure appropriates $867,744 from a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant, plus a $45,671 match from airport unrestricted net assets, for Phase 2 of the Airport Master Plan Update. It raises the 2026 capital budget line for that project from $40,000 to $953,415.

The second resolution appropriates $38,000 in FAA grant funds and a $2,000 airport match to update the Airport Layout Plan. The administration's memorandum says the update is required by federal regulation after six non-precision instrument flight procedures were published for Merrill Field in March 2024. The work covers changes to Part 77 airspace, evaluation of obstruction penetrations, and depiction of additional approach and departure surfaces. Completing it leaves Merrill Field with an FAA-approved layout plan that meets the grant assurances federally funded airports must satisfy.

Phase 2 of the master plan is expected to take about 12 months once the grant is received. It covers development alternatives, a preferred development concept, and an implementation plan.

Airport Manager Earl Malpass recommended both appropriations. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance submitted them to the Assembly.

The Assembly may alter Merrill Field's capital budget by majority vote.