Deadline for public comment is February 27, 2026

information released, photo courtesy of WSDOT

The City of Chelan, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and J-UB Engineers, Inc., has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Lake Chelan Airport Runway Relocation Project. The EA is a planning and evaluation document only and does not authorize construction, land acquisition, or any specific project actions.

An Environmental Assessment is a federally required planning tool under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Its purpose is to evaluate potential environmental and community impacts of a proposed action before any decisions are made. The

EA analyzes potential impacts and alternatives, including a “no action” option, identifies possible mitigation measures, provides transparency and opportunities for public input and informs future decision-making by the FAA.

Importantly, completion of the EA does not approve, fund, or commit the City or FAA to any construction, land acquisition, or project implementation. No physical changes would occur as a result of the EA alone.

Because Lake Chelan Airport is part of the national aviation system, the FAA serves as the lead federal agency for the environmental review. The City of Chelan is supporting the process by providing technical information and coordinating public involvement. The Draft EA is available for public review and comment through February 27, 2026.

What Is Being Evaluated

The EA study area includes approximately 209 acres and evaluates potential elements associated with a conceptual runway relocation, including:

  • Possible land acquisition and avigation easements
  • Runway and taxiway relocation to meet FAA safety standards
  • Howard Flats Road relocation
  • Taxilane, fuel system, and hangar adjustments
  • Irrigation system modifications
  • Installation of a new Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS)

Public Review and Comment

The Draft EA is available at Chelan City Hall, Lake Chelan Airport Administration Office, and the Chelan Public Library and online at www.cityofchelan.gov/lca.

Public comments are encouraged and may be submitted by February 27, 2026, via email to Zach Scott at zscott@jub.com.

Next Steps

The EA represents an early step in a long-term planning process. After the public comment period closes, the FAA will review the Draft EA, consider all comments received, and determine whether additional analysis is needed or whether the environmental review can be concluded. Any future project steps would require separate approvals, funding decisions, and additional public processes.

About the City of Chelan:

Chelan is a rural lakeside community surrounded by pristine natural beauty where generations of visitors and residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life.