JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The U.S. Air Force (USAF) invites public input on any practicable alternatives for a proposed activity within wetlands at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska. The Proposed Action involves an extension of the north-south runway (RW 34) that was previously examined and selected by the USAF in the 2018 Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision (RoD) for the Proposal to Improve F-22 Operational Efficiency at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/08/23/2018-18274/record-of-decision-for-the-proposal-to-improve-f-22-operational-efficency-at-joint-base). The project would provide the USAF with the flexibility to distribute F-22 departures and arrivals on JBER’s runways to maximize airspace training time and safety.
After the ROD was signed, changes were made to the final design and new information was collected related to the potential environmental impacts. The proposed runway extension will be located at the north end of Runway 34 where freshwater wetlands are located. Implementation of the final design could add approximately 10.6 acres of wetlands to the impacts described for the alternative selected in the 2018 ROD. The final design will result in a total approximate wetland impact of 38.5 acres.
The USAF is performing supplemental environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. This early public notice is required by Executive Order 11990, “Protection of Wetlands.” The USAF prepared and made this notice available to the public in accordance with 32 CFR 989 and Air Force Manual 32-7003 for actions proposed within wetlands. Subsequent public notice required by NEPA will be made once the 2021 Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the Proposal to Improve F-22 Operational Efficiency at JBER, Alaska document is available for review and comment.
Written comments and inquiries should be directed to JBER Public Affairs, 10480 Sijan Ave., Suite 123, JBER, AK 99506. Emailed comments can be submitted to jber.pa@us.af.mil. Comments may also be submitted on the phone at (907) 552-4493.
This Notice for Early Public Review of a Proposed Activity Within Wetlands at JBER is available on the JBER Environmental webpage under Public Documents & Notices: https://www.jber.jb.mil/Services-Resources/Environmental/.