AF conducting environmental assessment for proposed B-52 squadron at MAFB or BAFB Published April 20, 2009 Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The U.S. Air Force is preparing an Environmental Assessment to determine the potential environmental consequences of a proposal to establish a fourth B-52 operational squadron to meet current and future national security requirements. Two alternative beddown locations, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota and Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, were identified as meeting the purpose and need for the proposed action. A no-action alternative will also be considered in the Environmental Assessment. Based on superior ability to support the United States Strategic Command, the Air Force has preliminarily identified Minot Air Force Base, ND as the preferred alternative for the beddown of this unit. As part of this proposal, the Air Force will analyze the establishment of a squadron containing 11 Combat Coded B-52 aircraft and two back-up aircraft, increases in personnel, and on-base renovation and construction. Each alternative would increase aircraft operations in existing military training airspace. For Minot Air Force Base, training would routinely occur in the Powder River Complex near Belle Fourche, SD. For Barksdale Air Force Base, routine training would occur in the Lancer Military Operations Area, near Lubbock, TX. No other changes to military airspace are proposed. This Environmental Assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4349), the Council on Environmental Quality NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), and the Air Force Environmental Impact Analysis Process (32 CFR 989). Your comments are welcomed to help shape and refine the proposal and guide the preparation of the environmental analysis. People wishing to mail comments should send them to: Ms. Linda DeVine, HQ ACC/A7PS, 129 Andrews St, Room 337, Langley Air Force Base, VA 23665-2769 Comments should be mailed before May 21, 2009 to ensure the Air Force has sufficient time to consider public input in preparation of the Draft Environmental Assessment. Please call Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or e-mail accpa.operations@langley.af.mil with any questions.