Public Meeting Dates/Times

Open House Information Session: 5-6 p.m.
Presentation/Formal Comment Session: 6-8 p.m.

Background

The U.S. Air Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess potential environmental impacts of its proposal to establish a Pilot Training Center with F-35A training aircraft at one or more existing Air Force or Air National Guard installations within the continental United States. Potential locations include:

• Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station (Gowen Field), Idaho
• Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Tucson International Airport Air Guard Station, Arizona

The purpose of the proposal is to train pilots and personnel to safely and effectively operate F-35A aircraft. The basing of the F-35A Pilot Training Center and training aircraft is needed to support formal training requirements associated with the F-35A, which would replace or supplement the existing F-16 and A-10 aircraft and complement the F-22 aircraft.

The Air Force is holding public hearings to provide information about the Proposed Action and alternatives under consideration, and to solicit comments on the Proposed Action, alternatives, and the adequacy and accuracy of the Draft EIS.

Visit the project website at www.F-35ATrainingEIS.com to learn more or download a copy of the Draft EIS. You can also visit the El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale Main, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Northwest Surprise Regional and Wickenburg public libraries to view a paper copy of the Draft EIS. For consideration in the Final EIS, all comments on the Draft EIS must be postmarked or received by March 14, 2012 by submitting 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: .

For more information, please contact Mr. James “Rusty” Mitchell, Director, Community Initiatives Team, Luke Air Force Base at 623-856-6169.