Due to constant winds from the north, accessibility by air to Little Diomede is often limited. A state-owned heliport allows for weekly mail delivery. In 2012, Diomede was awarded grant funds to participate in the Essential Air Services program. Weekly flights by helicopter are available year round, weather permitting. There is no airstrip due to the steep slopes and rocky terrain, so ski planes must land on an ice strip in winter. Regular flights are scheduled from Nome, weather permitting. Skin boats are still a popular method of sea travel to cover the 28 miles to Wales. Cargo barge stops are irregular, due to sea or ice conditions, but deliver at least annually. There are plans to construct a breakwater and small boat harbor to allow for more regular sea travel between the Mainland and Diomede. Cargo Barge stops are irregular due to sea or ice conditions, but deliver at least annually. Transportation on Little Diomede is primarily by foot on a system of boardwalks and trails. The boardwalks are owned by the city, though are maintained by the IRA through Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funding. A project to reconstruct 1.5 miles of boardwalks was completed during the summer of 2005.