WHY DID DOT&PF PROPOSE A NEW AIRPORT AT ANGOON?
The City of Angoon, the only permanent settlement on Admiralty Island, has no road links to any other developed areas and is completely dependent upon either marine or seaplane transportation. It is the largest southeast Alaska community without an airport. Travel and transport to and from the community is accomplished through day boat ferry service, chartered ferry, or commercial or chartered seaplane. Night landing is prohibited. There are navigational hazards near the seaplane float area, and at certain times of the year, prevailing northeasterly winds make landing difficult. Additionally, in the winter, Favorite Bay periodically ices up, precluding floatplane operations. The Alaska Marine Highway System generally provides ferry service to Angoon once a week during late fall, winter, and early spring, and 2-3 times/week in the summer. The nearest commercial center (Sitka) is over five hours away by ferry. Because of the combination of isolation and limited transportation options, An
