Notice of Intent To Prepare Environmental Impact Statement for the Conversion of F-15 Fighter Aircraft at Dobbins AFB, Marietta, Georgia, to B-1B Bomber Aircraft at Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GA

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force

Notice of Intent To Prepare Environmental Impact Statement for

the Conversion of F-15 Fighter Aircraft at Dobbins AFB, Marietta,

Georgia, to B-1B Bomber Aircraft at Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GA

The United States Air Force and the Air National Guard are

announcing their intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS) to analyze the proposed action regarding the conversion of F-15

fighter aircraft at Dobbins AFB, Marietta, GA to B-1B bomber aircraft

at Robins AFB, Warner Robins, GA. This will be known as the Robins B-1B

EIS.

The Air National Guard also proposes to modify training airspace

that services the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC)

area. Existing charted airspace which includes the Quick Thrust

Military Operations Areas (MOAs), Fort Stewart MOAs, Gator MOAs, would

be modified and named Coastal MOA. Restricted Area R-3007 would also be

modified. These proposed modifications are primarily designed to

accommodate realistic training requirements for military fighter units

including Air Force, Navy and Marines and would also satisfy realistic

training requirements of the B-1B.

The proposed actions under consideration would address the

conversion of the F-15 aircraft to B-1B aircraft and the resultant

potential environmental impacts at both sites, the airspace training

requirements for the B-1B in the region, and the modification of

training airspace servicing the Savannah CRTC.

The Air Force and Air National Guard are planning to conduct a

series of Scoping meetings on the following dates and times at the

indicated locations:

1. A. L. Burruss Auditorium, Southern College of Technology, Marietta,

Georgia, January 5, 1995, 7:00 PM.

2. Wellston Center, 155 Maple Street, Warner Robins, Georgia, January

10 and 11, 1995, 7:00 PM

3. Altamaha Technical Institute Auditorium, Jesup, Georgia, January 12,

1995, 7:00 PM.

The purpose of these meetings is to present information concerning

the proposed actions and alternatives under consideration and to

solicit public input with respect to issues to be addressed, effort to

be expended, and alternatives that should be addressed in the EIS.

Questions or clarifications concerning the proposal or any other

information presented will be answered as they relate to the scope of

the effort anticipated.

The Scoping meetings will include opportunities for clarification

of the proposal and statements from representatives of government

agencies and the public. To ensure the maximum opportunity for public

participation, initial presentations and questions by individuals will

be limited to a maximum of five minutes until all those desiring an

opportunity to speak have been accommodated. Additional presentations

and questions will be accepted at the end of the meeting. Submission of

written comments and questions will be accepted. Submission of written

comments is encouraged but is not required. Written comments and

questions of any length submitted at the meeting or during the scoping

period will be considered in their entirety and will carry the same

weight as oral comment.

To ensure the Air Force and the Air National Guard have sufficient

time to consider public input on issues and alternatives in the

preparation of the Draft EIS, comments should be submitted to the

address below by February 1, 1995. The Air Force and Air National Guard

will accept comments at the address below at any time during the

environmental impact analysis process.

For further information concerning the preparation of the EIS for

the Robins B-1B EIS, or to provide written comment, contact: Program

Manager, Robins B-1 EIS, Air National Guard Readiness Center, ANGRC/

CEVP, 3500 Fetchet Avenue, Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20331-5157.

Patsy J. Conner,

Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.

[FR Doc. 94-30979 Filed 12-15-94; 8:45 am]

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