Alaska Shorezone project, used with permission.
For the 400 residents of Brevig Mission, the last few months have been particularly challenging. Like most Western Alaskan communities, the village depends on its airport for travel and supply. With no roads connecting it to other communities, Brevig Mission’s only other gateway is its two boat ramps… which is all it was left with after record rainfall in August.
In 2022, the Alaska Department of Transportation undertook upgrades to Brevig Mission airport’s two gravel runways. Then in August 2024, excessive rainwater rendered the runways unsafe for fixed-wing airplanes to land.
The situation forced Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) to cancel appointments and delay medicine deliveries. As a workaround, the regional hospital chartered helicopters and boats to reach the village. Many community members volunteered their own boats to help ferry supplies to the village.
Alaska DOT foresees a permanent solution for the airport next year. In the meantime, the runways should freeze when winter comes, which will allow planes to land again for the season.
