Yap Airport & Seaport Expansion Project

An aerial view of the southern end of the reef surrounding the island of Yap, Micronesia. One dive boat is anchored at Yap Cavern?s, a famous site for

The United States government is proposing an infrastructure project for Yap to extend the airport runway, expand and modernize the seaport and upgrade the town road that connects these facilities.

The U.S. military wants to improve Yap’s airport, seaport, and the road between them so that they can:

Land military planes and deliver supplies (a few times a week, not all the time).
Dock ships for short-term visits.
Use the airport and seaport during natural disasters or emergencies.

Train in the area about twice a year (for up to 2 weeks at a time).

They do not plan to build a permanent base or store weapons.

Why are they doing this?

The U.S. says:

Yap’s current airport and seaport are too small or outdated for its needs.
Upgrading them helps the U.S. fulfill its promise to defend the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) under the Compact of Free Association.
The changes could also help the local economy and make Yap better prepared for emergencies.

Possible benefits:

Better roads, airport, and seaport could help locals, travelers, and businesses.
Could bring construction jobs and income to the island.
May support disaster response in times of need (like typhoons or other crises).

Concerns from the community:

Land and culture: Some land is traditionally owned, and local chiefs and land owners must agree before anything happens.
Environment: People worry about harm to reefs, fishing areas, taro patches, and mangroves.
Social changes: Outsiders may come to work, and locals worry about losing control over land and traditions.

NEPA & Yap

A Historic First: This marks the first time the U.S. Government has conducted a full NEPA environmental review process in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Before any projects can move forward, we must first study and address their potential impacts on the environment, local communities, economy, and culture. This review is conducted through a process called the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

What is NEPA?

NEPA is a major U.S. law that requires federal agencies to carefully examine the environmental effects of proposed government projects before making final decisions.

Why Does NEPA Apply Here?

Under the Compact of Free Association—an agreement between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—the U.S. must follow NEPA and related environmental laws when undertaking projects in FSM territory.

What This Means for Yap: The U.S. government will review how proposed projects might affect:

Yap’s people and communities
The natural environment
Cultural resources and heritage sites

Any negative impacts must be identified, studied, and either avoided or reduced before projects can proceed.

Current Progress

What’s happening now?

The U.S. is studying the possible impacts through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Public input is being collected now. A second public meeting occurred on the week of September 8th and public comments can be taken until September 29, 2025
A full draft of the study will come out in March 2026, with more chances to give feedback

What Can Yapese People Do?

Ask questions and share your thoughts by submitting comments.
Your input helps decide whether the project happens, what changes are made, and how impacts are handled.