00089161 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR PROPOSED AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND TERMINAL RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY RELOCATION AT FAIR- BANKS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ALASKA

00089161

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR PROPOSED AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AND TERMINAL RADAR APPROACH CONTROL FACILITY RELOCATION AT FAIR-

BANKS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ALASKA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is issuing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) evaluating the proposed relocation of the Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)/Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility (TRACON) at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Alaska (the Proposed Action).

The FAA prepared the Draft EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States Code 4321) and applicable FAA environmental procedures. FAA has conducted an environmental review to evaluate the Proposed Action’s environmental impacts and compliance with NEPA and related laws and authorities. The Draft EA evaluates the potential impacts of the alternative actions, including the No Action Alternative. Based on the outcome of this analysis, FAA may prepare a proposed Finding of No Significant Impact.

Below is a description of the Proposed Action.

Project Description

The FAA proposes to construct a new ATCT/TRACON and demolish the existing ATCT/TRACON at FAI. In addition to the new structures, new underground utility lines would be installed to connect the new ATCT/TRACON to water, sewer, gas, electrical, and telephone services along University Avenue South and to the FAA-owned Fiber Optic Transmission System and other communication cables at several locations across FAI.

Purpose and Need

The existing ATCT/TRACON at FAI is in poor condition and has structural and building system deficiencies that affect safety, reliability, and building code compliance. The facility lacks sufficient space to meet Air Traffic Control mission requirements, and the cab height of the existing tower is too low, resulting in line-of-sight obstructions and visibility issues. Therefore, the purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace the outdated ATCT/TRACON with an adequately sized, code compliant replacement facility that meets the space, height, cab orientation, operational (i.e., staffing and equipment), and safety requirements specified in FAA orders and regulations, and the need for the Proposed Action is to address the existing facility’s structural and functional deficiencies and ensure safe movement of aircraft by providing a cleared line-of-sight between the ATCT and all active movement areas.

Publication

The FAA invites public review and comment on the Draft EA pursuant to NEPA. An electronic copy of the Draft EA is available at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/atf (under “Notices”). The 30-day public comment period begins on July 6, 2026. The last day to submit comments is August 5, 2026. Comments may be submitted to Jamie L. Groves, Environmental Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, at Jamie.L.Groves@faa.gov . Please provide your contact information with your comments. Your input will be considered to the extent applicable. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Publish: 7-5-2026