Improvements planned for access to Alaska's Ketchikan Airport

After thorough review of an environmental impact study, the Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Public Facilities (PF) is recommending the Gravina Access Project G4v as its preferred alternative to the Federal Highway Administration.

The Gravina Access Project is designed to improve water transportation from Revillagigedo Island, which includes Ketchikan, to Gravina Island, the location of the Ketchikan International Airport. The estimated construction cost is $23 million.

G4v is a ferry service change designed to improve existing ferry facilities to and from the airport for both passengers and commercial freight. The proposal includes a passenger area, a new freight dock and amenities to improve access for ferry travelers and freight transportation to and from Gravina Island.

The original Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement was first distributed to the public in 2013. ADOT and PF will hold a public information meeting about the project in upcoming months.