Daines: Powder River Expansion's Impact on Montanans Should be Minimized

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines today expressed his concerns that the U.S. Air Force's environmental impact statement on its proposed expansion of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) doesn't adequately address the impacts it will have on Montana communities.

The Air Force briefed Congress on the proposal today, and plans to publish its environmental impact statement in the Federal Register on November 28, 2014.

Many Montanans have expressed opposition to the expansion of the PRTC because of effects it will have on economic activity, air traffic, ranching and sensitive historic sites.

"I remain concerned that the Air Force's proposal doesn't sufficiently address Montanans' concerns about the impact the expansion will have on our communities. Additional steps must be taken to protect public safety, economic vitality and significant tribal sites within the affected areas," Daines said. "I will continue to push for the Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration to make concrete changes to the Powder River Training Complex expansion that address persistent concerns in a way that minimizes the impact on Montana communities."

Daines held a roundtable in Baker, Montana where he heard from Montanans who would be directly affected by the expansion and has been active in urging both the FAA and the Air Force to address Montanans' concerns.

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