Sitka Seaplane Base Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment /Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Alaska Region, is issuing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Final SEA) and FAA’s Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)/Record of Decision (ROD) to construct City and Borough of Sitka’s (CBS) proposed new Seaplane Base (SPB) in Sitka, Alaska. The FAA issued its Final EA and FONSI/ROD on January 28, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Ponozzo, FAA Environmental Protection Specialist, Alaska Region Airports Division, 222 West 7th Avenue, MS #14, Anchorage, AK 99513, 907-271-3665.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: The Final SEA and FONSI/ROD responds to agency and public comments received by the FAA and it updates the Draft SEA, issued on September 9, 2025. The Final SEA and FONSI/ROD document that the Proposed Action is consistent with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures and with existing national environmental policies and objectives set forth in Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 CFR parts 1500–1508, the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and all other applicable special purpose laws. The Proposed Action will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, and that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is therefore not necessary. The FONSI/ ROD documents the FAA’s decision to implement the Proposed Action alternative as detailed in and supported by the Final EA.
AVAILABILITY: The Final SEA and FONSI/ROD are available below:
The existing Seaplane Base has been operating for 65 years and is at the end of its useful life. The Assembly passed an action plan to construct a new facility just inside the breakwater on Japonski Island (end of Seward Street) making this a top priority to secure Federal Funding, land, and ultimately construction. Federal funding* is anticipated to cover 93.75% of the cost of construction and another $150k per year in entitlements for the Airport Capital Improvements Program (ACIP). For this reason, it is essential for the project development to follow the required Federal funding process.
There are 5 main phases required to complete to be eligible to proceed to the next stage and receive Federal funding:
1. Planning and Environmental Review (current funded stage): Completed
2. Layout plan (current funded stage): Completed
3. Land acquisition: Completed summer 2021
*Federal Grants for 2021 will be 100% covered
4. Environmental Analysis: To be completed December 2025 (Anticipated)
5. Environmental Permitting: Fall 2026 (Anticipated)
6. Final Design: Complete October 2026 (Anticipated)
7. Construction: 2027-2028 (Anticipated)