After urging from Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Navy today announced it will extend by 30 days the ongoing public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Study of EA-18G “Growler” Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex. The Members’ request came after they heard from public entities, as well as constituents and local elected officials, who were struggling to provide feedback to the Navy within the original timeline.

The Navy is analyzing the potential environmental effects of additional Growler aircraft and increased Growler operations at Ault Field and Outlying Field Coupeville and encouraging citizens to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Study.

 “We urge you to extend the ongoing public comment period…given the range of scenarios under consideration, the variety of impacts analyzed, and the resulting length of the Draft Environmental Impact Study, we believe [a 30 day extension] would give the public a greater opportunity to share comments with the Navy,” wrote the Members in their January 6 letter. “Our constituents are reading the text of the Draft EIS and appendices which total over 1500 pages. Many have told us that an extension would allow them to be more thorough in their review and comment with better understanding of the scenarios and projected impacts on their communities. In addition, some public entities with scheduled meeting dates may be unable to comment given the current timeline.”

The public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Study is now currently scheduled to conclude on February 24, 2017.

For additional information, visit https://www.whidbeyeis.com/

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