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DCN 8012 Executive Correspondence
08/22/2005 08:08 FAX 9074286019 DMVA COMMISSIONERS OFF ~002
FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, GOVERNOR
P. O. BOX 5800
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99505-0800
PHONE: (907) 428-6003
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FAX: (907) 428-5019
Chairman Anthony Principi August 22, 2005
2521 S. Clark Street, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22202
Dear Chairman Principi:
This letter is a follow-up to my letter of August 5, 2005 which identified State of Alaska
issues and Governor Murkowski's concerns pertaining to potential BRAC actions at Kulis
ANGB, Galena Forward Operating Location (FOL), and Eielson AFB. Since that letter, there has
been additional information obtained concerning the Galena FOL closure recommendation which
we feel is important for consideration by the Commission as you conclude your deliberations on
this most important facility.
First, Governor Murkowski wants to express his appreciation for the tremendous
attention BRAC Commission members and staff have provided to Alaska. From the initial
public hearing in Fairbanks and site visits at Kulis ANGB and Eielson AFB, to the additional
visit to Galena FOL after that installation was added to the BRAC process, we believe that
Alaska has been treated very fairly. We recognize that the Commission has a very difficult task
ahead and do appreciate the deference provided to Alaska which allowed us to work with you
and your staff to ensure that all pertinent issues were fully and openly discussed.
In my August 5, 2005 letter, I described the State of Alaska concern about job loss and
community impact should Galena FOL be closed. I would like to expand upon that letter and
present more clarity on the issues we feel will be significant, should Galena FOL be closed.
Governor Murkowski continues to request that the BRAC Commission not close Galena FOL,
but should the Commission believe that closure is necessary to meet DOD requirements, we want
to place, on the record, our concerns and initial estimates of community impacts.
1. Galena Airport is a critical airport for air transportation in Western and
Northwestern Alaska. If Galena FOL is closed and alert activities moved to
another location, such as Eielson AFB or Elmendorf AFB, Galena Airport
must continue to play a necessary role as an alternate airport for military
aircraft operations west of Fairbanks. If the Air Force completely terminates
all support for Galena FOL, the State of Alaska, Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), will be solely responsible for the operation
and maintenance of the airport. Based on commercial aircraft operations in
western Alaska, it can be anticipated that DOT&PF will no longer need to
maintain the runway, taxiway system, or ramps to standards compatible for
