Knik Construction President Dan Hall, second from left, accepts the Build America Merit Award with leaders from Associated General Contractors in Orlando.
Knik Construction received a Build America Merit Award at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America annual convention in Orlando. Knik Construction’s Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation project was a semifinalist in the $20-$100 million Highway & Transportation (New) category and recognized as one of the best construction projects in the country. Knik Construction president Dan Hall, a former AGC board president, was there to accept the award in person.
The Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation was a federally funded project to resurface the gravel runway, taxiway, and access road. The application for the award describes the project and its challenges: "In one of Alaska’s most remote and extreme locations, Knik Construction’s Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation team achieved the extraordinary. Materials were barged 2,700 nautical miles, a 5.3-mile ice road was constructed, and 215,000+ tons of rock were drilled, blasted, and hauled under brutal winter conditions—safely completed in just 48 days. Phased construction, GPS-guided equipment, drones, and innovative ice-road engineering ensured precision and efficiency. The team collaborated seamlessly with subcontractors and the local community, while environmental stewardship and upgraded navigational aids enhanced operational safety. With flawless execution and lasting community impact, this project exemplifies excellence in remote Alaska construction."
Winter operations included subfreezing temperatures, blizzards, and minimal daylight while building the ice road, around-the-clock drilling and blasting at nearby Cheeching Mountain, and hauling mined material to the airport before the spring thaw. Ice road construction required drilling 56 holes for water to strengthen the surface to support a 215-ton haul. Preconstruction began in October 2023, with crews establishing camps and staging areas and coordinating barge landings with other community vessels. The Knik Construction team maintained a perfect safety record over 55,666 man-hours.
The impact of the project was felt by those who rely daily on Chefornak’s runway. In feedback from Fox Air, the pilots shared: "Chefornak’s runway was rough, riddled with frost heaves and potholes, and poor lighting and conditions posed real risks to aircraft. The first thing our pilots noticed after completion was how smooth the runway was and the improved visuals. The gravel and ramp are perfect—no more potholes. All of our pilots are extremely satisfied with the results. Thanks to the Knik Construction crew for an amazing job."
"Our team overcame logistical, environmental, and operational hurdles through innovation, safety, and community collaboration, setting a benchmark for remote Alaska construction and exemplifying AGC excellence," says Knik Construction President Dan Hall. "We are proud to have that dedication recognized on a national stage."
Knik Construction’s winning project, the Chefornak Airport Rehabilitation.
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