Kodiak weighs two plans to rebuild Trident Basin seaplane base around a new dock

Kodiak's Airport Advisory Board on Wednesday reviews two plans to rebuild the Trident Basin Seaplane Base on Near Island, where the dock for visiting floatplanes shows signs of sinking. The board meets the same evening, and in the same place, as a public meeting on the base's master plan.

Engineers first laid out the plans in October. Neither has a price yet.

The problem is Dock A, the base's only parking for visiting planes. It's deteriorating, shows signs of sinking and doesn't meet the Federal Aviation Administration's dock-height requirements, according to the presentation by HDL Engineering Consultants. Debris makes it unusable at times, and the base's chain anchoring has failed in storms.

Both plans would replace Dock A and shore up the anchoring. They'd widen the water operating area from 200 to 250 feet and remove reefs that limit use at lower tides. Either would come with signs for water users and possibly set routes for boats and kayaks.

On land, both would add tie-downs for 10 planes, a passenger shelter and administration building, paved parking, a wash rack and four lots for hangars.

The second plan adds a fourth dock with room for about three more planes, which could help shield Dock A from debris. HDL says it would cost more, take up more water and take more upkeep.

In May, acting City Engineer Chris Lynch gave the board a rough estimate of $3 million to replace Dock A, upgrade the electrical system and add tie-downs, with the FAA paying 95% and the city 5%, according to the board's draft minutes. The presentation notes that FAA acceptance of the master plan doesn't commit federal money.

The base had about 8,165 takeoffs and landings in 2025, according to the FAA-approved forecast, which projects 10,385 by 2045. The plan is designed around the de Havilland Beaver. The city said last year that the base hadn't gone through a formal FAA-supported planning process in more than 20 years.

After hearing from the board and the public, the team will work with the city and the FAA to pick a preferred plan. A draft master plan is due in spring 2027.