It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday February 23, 2026.
Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumenti discussed ongoing airport planning efforts, winter operations, capital projects, and upcoming events in an interview on Big Cabbage Radio last week.
He started with the airport master plan. This 20-to-30-year long range plan is required by the Federal Aviation Administration It will identify short-term projects and guide future development.
In March the city will apply to the FAA for a grant to fund the development of the plan. The FAA is expected to cover 95% of the cost of the plan development. The city expects the grant award to be announced by August. Once funding is secured, HDL will lead the planning process.
The master plan unfolds in two phases.
Phase one will gather data and conduct an inventory of airport assets. The assets include aircraft counts, usage levels, and land conditions. The process will include public meetings. This phase is anticipated to take about a year.
Phase two will determine the path forward based on the findings and community input. Diumenti emphasized that any potential impacts on the adjacent golf course remain years away. This is consistent with prior estimates of a three-to five-year timeline before any changes might occur.
The deteriorating north ramp needs to be addressed immediately. It spans 20 acres and costs 20 to 25 million dollars to repave.
Diumenti is exploring the leasing of apron areas to private operators. They could build hangars or protective structures. This reduces public expense and better protects aircraft from wind. The Airport Advisory Commission will discuss apron management.
Snow removal follows a priority system. First, keep the main north-south runway open. This is critical since the airport serves as the primary medevac access point for Mat-Su Regional Hospital. Second is access for airport businesses, including flight schools. Third is access for general aviation aircraft parked on aprons.
Diumenti closed by highlighting the upcoming Great Alaska Aviation Gathering on May 2 to 3. It is hosted by the Alaska Airmen’s Association in partnership with the Alaska State Fair. The event draws over 20,000 attendees. It includes aerial demonstrations and an aircraft raffle.
The full interview is up on bigcabbageradio.org in Insdie the City under Podcasts.
Learn about the Sun and Space Weather tonight at the Depot. The sun affects more than the weather. Its solar flares, winds and magnetic storms create what scientists call Space Weather. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The presenter starts at 7 p.m. This event is free and no registration needed. It is sponsored by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and Revel Treks and Tours.
The Mat-Su Transportation Fair is on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in Raven Hall on the fairgrounds. Learn about the railroad, pedestrian, air, and safety program projects near you.
The 2026 Winter Wine Walk is this Friday at 5 p.m. It is sold out.
The Mat-Su Miners Dinner Auction is on Friday at Raven Hall. Auction Preview and appetizers start at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m. and the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. Call 907-745-6401for tickets and information.
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This Page Two article was written by Mike Chmielewski and read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday February 23, 2026.