Air travel provides the only year-round access to Kaktovik. In addition to serving as a crucial link for passengers and cargo, aviation is also the primary means by which Kaktovik residents receive mail. The Barter Island Airport is owned by the Air Force and operated by the North Slope Borough. As of 2014, a new airport and runway are being built. In addition to air and overland transportation, marine transportation provides seasonal access to Kaktovik. Barges deliver cargo to the community during the summer. Barges are beached in front of the community, and materials are unloaded there to be hauled to the village. As of 2014, no boat ramp was present in the community, and boats were stored on the beach of Kaktovik Lagoon. The community would like a boat ramp to allow safer ocean launching of boats, and also report that the current launching area is too shallow and should be relocated.