Arctic Slope Telephone extends Deadhorse Airport lease

Arctic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative is extending its lease at Deadhorse Airport for five more years to keep operating telecommunications infrastructure that serves the Prudhoe Bay area.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities proposed the extension Wednesday for Lease ADA-72622, which covers roughly 45,000 square feet on Lots 6C and 7A, Block 200, at the airport. Records show the cooperative has leased airport land there since at least 1973. The application is filed under Alaska Statute AS 02.15.090(c), which lets the department extend airport land leases without competition. Annual rent is $12,825 plus any associated fees.

The non-aeronautical lease supports a telephone office, storage facilities, vehicle parking, a telecommunications tower, satellite dishes, and related equipment. Arctic Slope Telephone provides wireless, internet, and landline services across the North Slope, including to workers and operations at the Prudhoe Bay oil fields.

Public comments on the proposed extension are due by 4:30 p.m. July 6. After that, the department will decide whether to approve the lease.