JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The departments of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army have announced a record of decision for the final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Mortar and Artillery Training area at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The decision authorizes several key changes to meet current Army training doctrine.
These include reinstating all-season indirect live-fire training at the Eagle River Flats Impact Area, ending previous winter-only restrictions; authorizing 155 mm artillery for use at JBER, and expanding the impact area by 585 acres of adjacent upland to support this training. As a result of these changes, the maximum number of rounds fired into the impact area is expected to increase from an estimated 7,087 to over 15,270 annually.
While the expansion area is expected to be ready for use after one to two construction seasons, the Army intends to allow units to begin all-season firing in the existing impact area as soon as practicable.
Expanding range capabilities within JBER’s existing boundaries provides significant additional training and readiness capability for forces stationed in Alaska.
The U.S. Air Force is responsible for ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, while the Army retains operational responsibility for training areas and ranges.
This ROD was issued in accordance with NEPA and reflects consideration of the information, analyses, and public comments contained in the FEIS.
As part of the decision, the base will implement specific protective measures and mitigations to avoid or reduce impacts to local resources, including the Cook Inlet beluga whale.
A copy of the EE/CA is available at https://www.jber.jb.mil/Services-Resources/Environmental/Environmental-Planning/.
For more information or inquiries regarding this notice, contact JBER Public Affairs by email at jber.pa@us.af.mil or by calling (907) 551-8995.
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