Ongoing issues with the runway in Brevig Mission are raising concerns for local residents. Following late summer rains, the runway has at times been too soft for safe landings, leading to canceled flights and delayed deliveries of essential supplies. The issues arose as Brevig Mission experienced its rainiest August in the last five years.
Improvements to the airport began following a $15.8 million Airport Improvement Plan grant awarded in 2022. The project aimed to resurface the airport’s apron and two runways, stabilize slopes, rehabilitate shoulders and airport lighting, and apply a dust palliative.
A RFP was opened and the contract was awarded to Tumet Industries, LLC, who bid $12,517,952.11. Construction was primarily completed in the 2023 season and the project is now in closeout.
The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed that August 2024's historically-high rain led to water unexpectedly collecting under the runway’s surface, leading to a soft condition unsuitable for landing fixed wing aircraft.
Canceled flights have delayed the delivery of essential, affordable goods for the village of over 400. Brevig Mission’s Tribal Coordinator, Stephanie Olanna, said they rely on such goods purchased online from Walmart or Amazon.
“The mail not coming in and the food not coming in, that's what really affected us, because we especially rely on the post office,” Olanna said.
Olanna said that during a recent visit from Rep. Neal Foster, they requested assistance in addressing the issue.
The soft runway conditions have also forced Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) to cancel appointments and delay medicine deliveries. In response, the regional hospital chartered helicopters and hired local boat drivers. NSHC’s Renee Fahey was recognized as employee of the month for August, in part because she offered her family’s boat to ferry goods from Teller to Brevig Mission.
The DOT confirmed they are actively working on a solution for Brevig Mission, but it likely won’t be implemented until next year. They also said that over the winter the runway should freeze, buying them some time to develop a solution and find a contractor to perform the work.
