OPINION: Airport terminal development project will benefit all Alaskans

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, or ANC, recently became recognized as the third-busiest cargo airport in the world. Anchorage has long prided itself as “the air crossroads of the world,” and that moniker remains true today. As the state’s largest airport continues to grow, it’s important to the future of our economy to support projects that improve its infrastructure and services.

Several opportunities and challenges are expected in the coming years and decades as the Alaska and global economy responds to climate change, realignment of supply chains, and other geopolitical issues. What will not change is the geography that makes Anchorage the perfect location to connect Asia with the rest of North America. Now is the time to ensure we build the infrastructure to leverage the airport’s critical role in connecting the largest economies on the planet. As an example of many new infrastructure projects being proposed for development at ANC, I’d like to highlight the NorthLink Aviation project that is on the cusp of breaking ground.

NorthLink Aviation will incorporate new, state-of-the-art technology into its operations, making business much more efficient by allowing professionals on the ground to make faster, data-informed decisions. The NorthLink project will add to the airport’s ever-evolving logistics capabilities to help ensure it remains at the forefront of technological advancements, giving ANC a competitive edge. This technology and the need for new infrastructure is just part of why NorthLink has already signed contracts with two international air cargo carriers.

The NorthLink project will bring new innovations to ANC, including a state-of-the-art deicing fluid recycling system that will provide significant reductions in both operational costs and environmental impacts in our region by offering the ability to recycle and reuse almost a million gallons of propylene glycol every year. Clearly, a great example of environmental stewardship for our community and Alaska, as well as a technological advance that will attract cargo customers looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

Another innovation the NorthLink Aviation project will bring to Anchorage addresses the lack of affordable, reliable child care that is a significant drag on our economy, forcing parents out of the workplace. NorthLink’s new terminal will provide subsidized, onsite child care for workers at the terminal, not just NorthLink’s employees. This thoughtful provision supports the well-being of the professionals working at the terminal, fostering a positive work-life balance that will help our economy grow, and setting a great example for other Anchorage and Alaska businesses to consider.

NorthLink Aviation is a responsible developer working with an Anchorage-based team to respect the long-term needs of the community. NorthLink is honoring the needs of adjacent neighborhoods by creating a 700-foot setback from Raspberry Road, building a 25-foot berm to cancel noise and visually obscure the terminal, and connecting its driveway away from Raspberry Road to reduce traffic conflicts.

Lastly, the economic opportunities created by NorthLink’s new terminal are hard to overstate. Our research demonstrates that one out of seven jobs in Anchorage are created by the international airport. This project will create hundreds of additional new good-paying jobs in our community during both construction and operations. At AEDC, we are constantly trying to bring new investment here. This project will give Anchorage a shot in the arm in the form of short- and long-term jobs, increased cargo capacity at the airport, new e-commerce opportunities, and cold storage for Alaska seafood headed overseas and to the Lower 48. All of this investment contributes to a bright future for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and the Anchorage economy.

NorthLink Aviation’s terminal development project at ANC is comprehensive and forward-thinking. The developers have strived to create a cutting-edge logistics facility that has met or exceeded all related environmental permitting standards. It will bring new innovations and technologies to ANC to meet customers’ evolving demands and sets an example for achieving sustainable growth. This project is an important new development for ANC, Anchorage and Alaska, and deserves our community’s support. AEDC applauds NorthLink Aviation for its decision to choose Anchorage for this significant investment.

Bill Popp is the president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp.

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