Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport plans to upgrade its cargo facilities for fueling and loading later this year. The upgrade aims to improve and reinforce five 'hardstands' for Boeing 747-400 and 800 aircraft that stop for fueling in Anchorage.

Hardstands are parking areas that are reinforced to take the weight of a loaded 747 cargo freighter. The improvements also include taxi lanes to and from the hardstands that will be lit with edge lights and an extension of adjacent taxiways and drainage along runway 7-11.

"This is between a US$10 million to US$20 million project," said Jim Amundson, project manager for the state Department of Transportation's contracting division. It will be financed by cargo entitlements from FAA grants and FAA discretionary funding.

The project must be completed by October 31, 2007. Potential bidders can view the bidding documents at the DOT offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.