The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be initiating natural and cultural resource studies in the Angoon area this month as part of the Angoon Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) project.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has proposed a landbased airport on Admiralty Island to enhance the safety and reliability of air travel to and from the city of Angoon. The EIS will analyze and disclose impacts to the human and natural environment that might occur as a result of the proposed project and will look at a range of reasonable alternatives that could avoid or minimize potentially adverse impacts while still achieving the overall purpose of a land-based airport in Angoon.

This summer’s cultural and natural resource studies will obtain additional information regarding project area wildlife, wetlands, geomorphology, cultural sites, and other important local resources. “The fieldwork associated of this project is an important project milestone” stated FAA's Project Manager Leslie Grey, adding "a thorough documentation of existing conditions is necessary before the impacts of the proposed project can be fully analyzed."

Many field crews in Angoon will be available for questions by the public concerning field work activities and project updates. Ms. Grey also noted that that preliminary survey results would be shared with the public via the project Website.