Juneau airport board votes July 9 on $50,697 local match for tower roof grant

Juneau International Airport can secure a $963,247 federal grant to replace its aging air traffic control tower roof if the airport board commits $50,697 from a reserve that currently holds only $109,876. The board votes on that question Thursday, July 9, at 6 p.m.

The FAA awarded the grant through its Airport Terminal Program on May 19, covering 95 percent of the $1,013,944 estimated project cost. A yes vote would leave the Airport Capital Reserve with roughly $59,000.

The board's motion would authorize forward-funding up to $50,697 from the reserve for the local match, meaning the airport commits local dollars now and seeks reimbursement as the grant is executed.

"The project will replace the existing tower roof, roof hatch, and access ladder, all of which date back to the original 1987 tower construction."

Staff have already issued a request for proposals for design services. The grant application deadline was extended to Oct. 30, 2026, after the original Oct. 1 date was judged too tight to complete design and bidding. Construction is planned for 2027.

Juneau International Airport submitted three Airport Terminal Program applications. The FAA funded only the tower roof project. Staff said work proposed in the two unfunded applications will be addressed as future funding allows.

The same meeting includes officer elections for the coming year and a review of written comments submitted by the Airport Tenant Liaison on the Draft Airport Master Plan following outreach to general aviation users. No board action is requested on the tenant liaison comments or on a separate informational presentation of a new scoring framework for non-federally eligible capital projects.

The board meets in the Airport Alaska Room and on Zoom. Those wishing to testify may contact Shannon Van Valin at 907-586-0962.