Posted: Jan 20, 2012 8:11 PM
Updated: Jan 20, 2012 8:12 PM
TUCSON - F-35 training aircraft could be coming to the air guard station at Tucson International Airport.
It's one of four possible locations in the Air Force's just released environmental impact report.
Luke Air Force Base in Glendale is the preferred location, but now officials want to hear from you.
The 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson International Airport is one of four sites being considered for a new F-35 training base.
"I think that we are the preeminent place to train in fighter aviation and have been doing, have an established track record of over 40 years of doing this mission in a number of different frames and the F-35 is just the next generation," said 162nd Fighter Wing Commander Michael McGuire.
Additionally, McGuire thinks it would boost the local economy, but not everyone is on board.
Some residents are concerned about safety.
"It incorporates all new technologies across the board has no historical safety record," said Tucson Forward Member Robin Gomez.
Another concern? The noise. Arrival flights for the F-35 are around 22 decibels louder than the current F-16.
"Those people on the Northwest side of TIA are going to have a quality of life problem; you can say well that's too bad. Their property value is going to decline," said Gomez..
Now the 162nd Fighter Wing is hoping for a good turn out so they can hear all sides from the public.
"We want all citizens to voice their concerns, support. We look to see all citizens irrespective of their feelings about it we encourage them to attend," said McGuire.
You can submit your comments either through email or mail until March 14, 2012.
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
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
Document Access and Commenting Information: To download a copy of the Draft EIS, please 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
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