Making Sure Local Voices are Heard

The Air Force has re-opened the public comment period until Jan. 20 on the proposed plan to expand the Powder River Training Complex covering several of the Great Plains states, according to Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.). The original public comment phase expired in November. Rehberg requested the extension to give local citizens more time to voice their concerns. “There are still many ranchers, civil aviation pilots, and others who are just learning about the proposed expansion,” he wrote. He added, “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.” USAF’s plan would modify the complex’s airspace to improve training realism for B-1 aircrews assigned to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and B-52 aircrews at Minot AFB, N.D. The complex runs through parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. (Rehberg release)