Send Letter to Army Asking for Extension of Public Comment Period

Press Release

Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet joined with Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) in asking the Army to extend the deadline for the public comment period for the Combat Aviation Brigade's Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) at Fort Carson.

An excerpt from letter the follows:

"We understand that the stationing of the 13th and 16th Combat Aviation Brigades is a time sensitive matter and significant delays in this process could have far-reaching effects both here in Colorado and for our warfighters in Afghanistan. However, we also acknowledge the importance of ensuring full public participation in the process.

"We ask that you consider a reasonable extension of the deadline, given the busy holiday season. Colorado is extremely proud of its role in supporting our Army, and we thank you for considering Fort Carson as a home for a Combat Aviation Brigade."

The public comment period is currently set to close on December 20, 2010.

Background

The Army is seeking to increase the availability of rotary wing assets to meet current and future national security requirements. The PEIS helps the Army evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the proposed growth, realignment, and stationing of new and existing Army aviation assets.

The PEIS will include the construction and renovation of garrison facilities and additional training needed to support the establishment and realignment of aviation units.

The Army has listed three possible options for the additional Combat Aviation Brigades:

1. Create two new Combat Aviation Brigades with one at Fort Carson and one at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

2. Create only one new Combat Aviation Brigade at either Fort Carson or JB Lewis-McChord

3. Maintain the current force structure by not creating additional CABs.

The Army expects to make a decision on the matter next year.

Note:The Army is not considering land acquisition as part of this action.

Source