Public Hearing Dates for the F-35 DRAFT EIS
TF Note: It appears that www.f-35atrainingeis.com isn’t up and running yet with the F-35 DRAFT EIS online. Recall that Congresswoman Giffords, the MCRC, and Mayor Rothschild have all called for a fly-over of the F-35. This is a decision that will impact Tucson for many years in the future. We need to know what one of these new aircraft sounds like and where they will fly.
It is key that the F-35 pilots in training will be using live ordnance which must be loaded at Davis-Monthan.
Hard to find, but on page 40 of the Executive Summary of the DRAFT F-35 EIS, it states “Luke AFB with 72 F-35A training aircraft is the Air Force’s Preferred Alternative.” Holloman, Boise, and TIA are alternative basing locations which gives the Air Force maximum flexibility. If Tucson is selected as an alternative basing location, the question will be how many F-35s will be assigned?
Scroll down for dates, times, and locations of the Tucson public hearings on the F-35.
Air Force holding public meetings regarding F-35A training
Jan 20, 2012 8:15 AM Channel 4 News Tucson
Updated: Jan 20, 2012 8:15 AM
TUCSON – The U.S. Air Force is inviting the public’s input on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Pilot Training Center of F-35A aircraft.
The Air Force has not chosen a base yet. Potential locations include the Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station, also known as Gowen Field, Idaho; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.; and Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Ariz.
The purpose of the proposal is to train pilots and personnel to operate F-35A aircraft. Training would include the use of existing training airspace and ranges, which permit flare countermeasures, supersonic flight and the use of munitions.
To download a copy of the Draft EIS, visit www.F-35ATrainingEIS.com. A paper copy of the document is also available at the following public libraries:
Copper Queen Library
6 Main St.
Bisbee, AZ 85603
Safford City-Graham
County Library
808 S. 7th Ave.
Safford, AZ 85546
San Carlos Public Library
89 San Carlos Ave.
San Carlos, AZ 85550
Sierra Vista Public Library
2600 E. Tacoma St.
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Valencia Branch Library
202 W. Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85706
All comments on the Draft EIS must be postmarked or received by March 14, 2012, for consideration in the Final EIS. Written comments on the Draft EIS may be submitted to:
David Martin, Air Force Contractor, and Kim Fornof
HQ AETC/A7CPP
266 F Street West, Bldg. 901
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4319
Fax: 210-652-5649
Email: aetc.a7cp.inbox@us.af.mil
Written and oral comments may also be submitted in person at the public hearings.
Public Hearings: Three public hearings near Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station will be held to inform the public and receive public comments on the Draft EIS. All hearings include an open house information session from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a presentation and formal public comment session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Representatives from the Air Force will be available during the open house session to provide information and to answer questions related to the Draft EIS.
Public hearings will be held:
Open House Information Session: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Presentation/Formal Comment Session: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Date: Feb. 21, 2012
Location: Windemere Hotel & Conference Center
Grand Ballroom
2047 S. Highway 92
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Date: Feb. 22, 2012
Location: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tucson Airport North Ballroom
4550 S. Palo Verde Road
Tucson, AZ 85714
Date: Feb. 23, 2012
Location: Tucson Jewish Community Center Auditorium
3800 E. River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
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