Posted Mar 3, 2010, 3:23 pm
If you’re concerned about military jets flying over Tucson, pay attention.
Tucson International Airport, home of the 162nd Fighter Wing, is a possible training site for the F-35, the military’s next-generation fighter jet.
Among the projected effects of the F-35’s potential arrival are the continued yearly $280 million in economic impact generated by the Air National Guard’s Tucson posting and jet volumes roughly twice current levels, if Air Force estimates in other locales are any measure.
The process for determining where the first round of planes will go is long and complicated, determined by factors ranging from environmental concerns to military convenience. The public is allowed three rounds of comment, but in only one, the first, is the Air Force mandated to respond in writing. That round is almost over.
If you would like the Air Force to specifically address your concerns, go to the open house scheduled Friday at Roskruge Elementary School Auditorium, 501 East Sixth Street.
You can also mail comments by April 5 to David Martin, AETC NEPA Program Manager HQ AETC/A7C 266 F Street West, Bldg 901 Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4319.
Comments made at later open houses will be noted, but there is no mandated response, Martin said.
A decision on basing the F-35 in Tucson is slated for early next year.
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1 comment on this story
more noise, more money, more jobs, more money