Air Force to hold F-35A public scoping meetings Published March 24, 2015 EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The U.S. Air Force issued a Notice of Intent in early March to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to assess the proposed action to base two F-35A squadrons (48 primary assigned aircraft) at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter. It is a multiple-role fighter with an emphasis on air-to-ground missions. A no-action alternative will be included in the EIS, whereby no F-35A squadrons would be based at Eielson AFB. The analysis of the no-action alternative will provide a benchmark to enable Air Force decision-makers to compare the magnitude of the environmental effects of the proposed action. No-action means the proposed action would not take place, and the resulting environmental effects from taking no-action will be compared with the effects of allowing the proposed activity to go forward. The public scoping process will be used to identify community concerns and local issues to be considered during the draft EIS development process. Federal, state, and local agencies; Alaska Native Tribes and organizations; as well as interested persons are encouraged to provide written comments of environmental concern associated with the proposed action to the Air Force. Comments should be provided by the methods and dates indicated below. Public scoping meetings will be held in North Pole, Fairbanks, and Delta Junction, Alaska, at the following dates, times, and locations: March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. North Pole Worship Center 3340 Badger Road, North Pole March 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Westmark Hotel and Conference Center 813 Noble Street, Fairbanks March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Alaskan Steakhouse & Motel 265 Richardson Highway, Delta Junction Comments on the proposal can be made at the scoping meetings, by mail, or via the project website at: www.PACAF-F35Aeis.com. Written comments can be mailed to: F-35A Pacific Basing EIS, 354 FW/PA 354 Broadway Avenue, Suite 15A Eielson AFB, AK 99702 Although comments can be submitted to the Air Force at any time during the EIS process, scoping comments are requested by April 17 to ensure full consideration in the draft EIS. For questions regarding the proposed action, scoping, and EIS development, contact the Eielson AFB Public Affairs Office at 907-377-2116 or 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.