Invitation to review Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and attend public hearing for proposed Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) F-35A operational beddown

  • Published
  • 355th Wing Public Affairs

The public is invited to review and comment on the U.S. Air Force’s Draft EIS on the proposed AFRC F-35A operational beddown and attend the public hearing on Mar. 10, 2020.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Air Force has prepared a Draft EIS for public review that analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with the beddown of AFRC F-35A aircraft, associated infrastructure, and manpower at an Air Force installation within the continental United States where the AFRC conducts a global precision attack mission.

The Air Force has identified Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base in Texas as the Preferred Alternative. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri are evaluated as Reasonable Alternatives.

The public can review the Draft EIS at www.AFRC-F35A-beddown.com or at the following local libraries; Eckstrom-Columbus Branch, Murphy-Wilmont, Joel D. Valdez Main, Quincie Douglas, El Pueblo, Sierra Vista Public, Yuma County Main, Douglas Public or Salazar-Ajo Library.

The public’s input is valuable and assists the Air Force in making informed decisions. The public’s comments on the Draft EIS can be provided verbally at the public hearing or submitted electronically or in writing by Mar. 31, 2020, to ensure the Air Force has sufficient time to consider public input in the preparation of the Final EIS.

Public Comment Options:

  • Electronically submit comments through www.AFRC-F35A-beddown.com
  • In writing by emailing, U.S. Postal Service, other couriers or at the public hearing:
    • Email: HQAFRC.F-35.EIS@us.af.mil
    • U.S. Postal Service: AFCEC/CZN ATTN: Mr. Hamid Kamalpour

                                                               2261 Hughes Avenue, Suite 155

                                                               JBSA Lackland Air Force Base, TX 78236-9853.

    • For couriers: (e.g.FedEx, UPS, etc.): AFCEC/CZN, ATTN: Mr. Hamid Kamalpour,

                                                                        3515 S. General McMullen Drive, Suite 155  

                                                                        San Antonio, TX 78226-1710.

    • Orally: Public hearing on Mar. 10, 2020, at Tucson Convention Center

                                                                                  260 South Church Ave

                                                                               Tucson, Arizona

      The public hearing provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the mission, the Draft EIS and provide input. The public hearing will be held at the Tucson Convention Center and will open at 5:00 p.m. Free parking is available.

      At 5:30 p.m., the Air Force will give a brief presentation, followed by verbal public comments beginning at 6:15 p.m. The hearing venue will close at 8:00 p.m.

      If you are interested in covering the event please RSVP by Friday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., the 355th Wing Public Affairs office at (520) 228-3378 or 355wgpa@us.af.mil.