As part of the planning process for the Nanwalek and Port Graham Airport, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and its consultant, DOWL HKM, seek comments on the project. State and DOWL HKM staff met with Nanwalek and Port Graham village leaders last August and provided them with a project update.

Safety concerns about the Nanwalek Airport have prompted the state to study an alternative airport. The 1,850-foot Nanwalek Airport is on a narrow strip of land with occasional strong crosswinds and difficult approaches at either end.

"Nanwalek is the worst airport in the southcentral region," said Morgan Merritt, a DOTPF engineer.

Two airport alternatives with road access have been proposed:

* Romanof Point Alternative, an airport midway between Nanwalek and Port Graham, with a coastal road connecting the airport to both villages, and

* Three Mile Alternative, an airport east of Port Graham, with an inland road connecting the airport to both villages.

Planners have been focusing fieldwork on the Romanof Point alternative and coastal road. The coastal road would minimize impacts to the watershed and forest, Merritt said.

Environmental and engineering studies are now underway. Environmental impacts being considered include effects on wetlands, cultural resources, fish habitat and endangered species. Planners also are looking at safety issues such as weather, topography and runway approaches.

A decision hasn't been made on a preferred location, Merritt said. Comments or questions are sought on any aspect of the airport project. One consideration is the effect on village council and village corporation lands and Native allotments.

"A key element of getting through the decision is the availability of land through Native allotments," Merritt said. "It's our approach we want to develop this with the consensus of the landowners," he added.

Comments or questions can be mailed to Tom Middendorf of DOWL-HKM, 4041 B Street, Anchorage AK 99503, by e-mail to tmiddendorf@dowlhkm.com or by phone at (907) 562-2000. Send comments by Dec. 31.

A public meeting in the villages will be held in February 2009 at a time and place to be announced.

Michael Armstrong can be reached at michaelarmstrong.@homernews.com.