Unalaska Airport gate replacement goes to bid, backed by 30-year city lease

A gate inside Unalaska Airport's runway protection zone, an area off the runway end the FAA keeps clear, is being relocated under a state construction project whose bids closed Aug. 19. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities sought sealed bids to replace three vehicle access gate assemblies near Runway end 31, including gates, warning lights, signs and control equipment, with one gate moved outside the protection zone of Runway 13/31. The engineer's estimate runs $1 million to $2.5 million, with work due by Aug. 15, 2027.

The relocated gate sits on city ground. On July 28 the Unalaska City Council adopted a resolution authorizing a 30-year lease, renewable once for 10 years, letting the state build in the East Point Road right-of-way at no cost or compensation to the city. The state maintains it, and public use of the right-of-way continues. The FAA requires a gate there under national traffic control standards.

On Aug. 25, the council separately authorized an electric utility line extension agreement with DOT&PF to power the relocated gate. The state will advance the city $72,121 for that work.