Angoon Airport Design Services

Projects

Client

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)

Timeline

2018-2026

Location

Angoon, Alaska

Three workers wearing helmets operate an orange drilling machine in a forested area, surrounded by trees and scattered branches on the ground.
A satellite map shows a coastal area with forest, water, and developed land. Multiple colored boundary lines—red, yellow, and blue—outline various sections and features, including roads and an airstrip.
A forest clearing with fallen logs and branches scattered on the ground, surrounded by tall evergreen trees. Two people are visible in the distance under a bright blue sky.

Designing Year-Round Access for a Remote Alaska Community

Angoon, on Admiralty Island, is one of the few communities in Southeast Alaska without an airport. Travel depends on seaplanes and an irregular ferry schedule, and winter storms often cut off both options. When that happens, residents lose dependable access to health care, supplies, and regional services.Angoon needed year-round, weather-resilient access to the regional aviation system.

Meeting that need began with understanding the land, the weather, and how the community moves. To determine the most efficient and appropriate layout for a new airport, RESPEC evaluated site conditions, operational requirements, fleet mix, geographic constraints, funding limitations, approach needs, and Angoon’s role in the regional aviation system. Weekly coordination and rapid issue resolution have kept the project on schedule and supported steady progress across all design phases.

Uniting Technical Insight and Community Priorities

RESPEC collaborated closely with DOT&PF’s geotechnical and materials teams, assisted with right-of-way easements, and supported robust public involvement, which has shaped an airport design that balances operational needs, community access, and long-term resilience.

Once complete, the Angoon Airport will provide a reliable, year-round transportation link for residents, visitors, and businesses, improving safety, supporting economic growth, and strengthening connectivity across Southwest Alaska.