As the fourth busiest air cargo airport in the world, ANC is essential to the transportation of high value cargo between Asia and the lower 48 (and beyond). Continued e-commerce growth is driving increasing demand for air cargo. Furthermore, supply chain issues with marine cargo have made air cargo a more attractive alternative, also contributing to higher volumes. The growth in demand in air cargo at ANC comes at the same time as carriers like UPS and FedEx are also looking to expand their operations at the airport, which is adding stress to existing infrastructure. Finally, Alaska has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination, with tourists from around the world eager to explore the beauty of the State. The growth in international tourism is displacing cargo carriers from parking spots at the North Terminal at ANC. For all of these reasons, ANC is in critical need of new air cargo infrastructure to support a critically important component of the local economy.
NorthLink is excited to have signed a 55-year lease for 120 acres on the south campus of ANC given its ideal location to provide carriers with efficient, power-through hardstands. The south campus site NorthLink has leased was identified as a site for cargo operations at the airport as part of the 2014 Master Plan prepared by ANC in coordination with various stakeholders.
In coordination with the local Sand Lake Community, NorthLink has agreed to set the terminal back 700 ft from Raspberry Road. In addition, NorthLink will be constructing an earthen berm that will serve two purposes: 1) dampen sound from airport and terminal operations and 2) obscure the terminal and aircraft from view. The setback and the berm will be replanted (as needed) with native vegetation once construction is completed.
All motorized vehicle traffic (non-aircraft) will access the landside terminal site from the South Airpark Drive. No new permanent access roads are planned. We expect the vast majority of the cargo at the terminal to arrive and leave by plane.
No. NorthLink will be strictly adhering to all local, state and federal laws and regulations that protect groundwater. In addition, multiple levels of protection are built into the plans for the development and operation of the terminal to ensure maximum protection of local water resources.
Noise pollution is a major area of focus for NorthLink given our desire to be a good neighbor. NorthLink has completed a noise study which is posted here. The results of the study indicate that the terminal will not contribute noise to adjoining neighborhoods due to the size of the earthen berm incorporated into the terminal design.
No.
NorthLink will not contribute to any additional air pollution at the airport. Shorter taxi times to and from NorthLink’s terminal have the potential to reduce emissions at ANC.