WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has requested that the public comment period for the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be reopened in order for the comments of local citizens, agricultural producers, and the aviation community to be fully assessed before a final decision is made.

“This proposal affects a large area of eastern Montana, and it’s important the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration listen to the concerns of Montanans who would be impacted by this reconfiguration,” said Rehberg, a member of the House General Aviation Caucus.

The Powder River Training Complex would quadruple the size of the military operation area (MOA) over the Powder River Basin, allowing for expanded training missions by both Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, and Minot AFB in North Dakota.  It will reconfigure private and commercial airspace to allow for mock dog fights involving fighter jets flying over the region in addition to multiple-mission training for B-1 and B-52 bombers.

Both the USAF and the FAA have held meetings in Montana, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota.  The draft EIS public comment period ended in November. Rehberg is requesting a 30-day extension. A final EIS is expected to be released next summer.

Letter:

Dear Col. Taliaferro and Mr. Rizzo:

I am writing to request that you reopen and extend your respective public comment periods for the Powder River Training Complex Draft Environmental Impact Statement for an additional thirty days.

As you know, the public comment period is an important part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.  While I appreciate your efforts to hold public hearings throughout Montana, there are still many ranchers, civil aviation pilots and others who are just learning about the proposed expansion of the Powder River MOA and have not yet had time to comment. Furthermore, the Lame Deer hearing was rescheduled for December 7th, and residents should have an opportunity to comment following this event.  Many of these constituents have concerns about the economic and environmental impact of the proposal, and I believe they should all be considered in your assessment.

Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,