JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- For Immediate Release
Contact: AFDW Public Affairs
Phone: 240-612-6484
February 21, 2017
Joint Base Andrews – The United States Air Force will host two public hearings to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the implementation of the proposed Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR) Program at Joint Base Andrews.
The hearings will take place at Show Place Arena Tack Room, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave. Upper Marlboro, Md., 20772. The schedule is as follows:
· Thursday, March 2, 2017, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.
· Thursday, March 2, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Through the PAR Program, the Air Force proposes to construct a new Presidential Complex with a multi-bay hangar to accommodate the proposed replacement to the VC-25A aircraft that currently transports the President of the United States (POTUS). Facility and mission relocations necessary to accommodate hangar construction include the Hazardous Cargo Pad (HCP), the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Proficiency Range, the JADOC Satellite Site, areas of the existing golf courses, and the Military Working Dog (MWD) Kennel.
The Draft PAR EIS assesses the potential environmental consequences of basing and operating a variant of the Boeing 747-8 passenger aircraft at JBA, as a replacement to the two existing VC-25A aircraft currently used to transport the President of the United States and other senior officials. The Draft PAR EIS considers alternatives to facility siting and construction at JBA for the replacement aircraft, as well as a No Action Alternative.
Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which established a national policy to protect the environment by requiring consideration of the environmental effects of major federal actions, the EIS will consider if and how the proposed PAR Program will affect the quality of the human environment.
These public hearings, conducted under NEPA authority, are for seeking public input on: issues of correction or clarification in the Draft PAR EIS, issues that have not been addressed, or for new information to consider.
The Draft PAR EIS can be downloaded from the project website www.parprogrameis.com, requested from Ms. Jean Reynolds (address below), or viewed at local libraries in Clinton, Md., District Heights, Oxon Hill, Md., and Upper Marlboro, Md. The Draft PAR EIS public review process also satisfies public involvement requirements under Executive Order (EO) 11990, “Protection of Wetlands” and EO 11988, “Floodplain Management.”
During the open house, representatives from the Air Force will be available to describe the proposed action and no-action alternative, define the process involved in preparing the EIS, outline the opportunities for public involvement in the process, and answer questions about the project. These meetings offer an opportunity for the public to learn more about the PAR Program and the EIS process, as well as to provide comments. During the public hearing, attendees will be able to make oral comments if desired.
If you are unable to attend one of the hearings, comments may be submitted on the project website, www.parprogrameis.com.
You may also submit written comments to:
Ms. Jean Reynolds
EIS Project Manager
AFCEC/CZN
2261 Hughes Ave., Ste. 155
JBSA Lackland, TX 78326-9853
Comments accepted until March 20, 2017.