Unalaska approves airport gate power line, with the state covering the cost

The Unalaska City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 25 signed off on a utility line extension with the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to bring electricity to new vehicle access gates at Unalaska Airport.

The state is replacing three gate assemblies near the airport's main runway — the gates themselves plus warning lights, signs and control equipment — and moving one of them because it sits too close to the runway. The department estimates the work at $1 million to $2.5 million and needs it done by August 2027.

The gate that has to move is the reason for the council's recent actions. In July, the council leased the East Point Road right-of-way for that gate on a 30-year term with a single optional 10-year renewal, no payment to the city, with the state covering maintenance. "DOT&PF needs to move and replace the third gate so that it is outside the runway protection zone," public works director Brian Thacker wrote in a memo, citing a Federal Aviation Administration requirement.

For the power line, the state will advance the city $72,121 and cover any eligible overrun plus 10 percent. Staff listed no cost to the city, and the extension becomes city property.