WHIDBEY ISLAND—Today Rep. Rick Larsen,WA-02, Mayor Nancy Conard and Commissioner Helen Price Johnson issued the following statement calling on the Navy to allow for more public input in light of the potential for additional EA-18G Growlers to be stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.  On July 25, the Navy announced it would expand the scope of the Environmental Impact Study to include several different scenarios, since Congress has not agreed on a final funding level for Growler purchases.

“While the Navy should be commended for proactively expanding the Environmental Impact Study instead of waiting for Congress to act, they should also reopen the study to public input. 

“We’ve listened to our constituents, and it is clear that any change to the number of Growlers on Whidbey Island will impact this community and their interactions with the base.  We know our constituents will want to engage with the Navy in this process to discuss community impacts and to propose potential mitigation options.

“Today we call on the Navy to re-open the comment and scoping process of their EA-18G Environmental Impact Study so that they can hear concerns and comments from the public about potential basing decisions. Additionally, a timeline for the amended EIS process should be published well in advance, so hard-working people can be certain that they are able to participate.

Congressman Larsen represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Mayor Conard is the Mayor of Coupeville.  Commissioner Price Johnson is the Island County Commissioner from District One, serving constituents from Whidbey Island south of greater Oak Harbor.

###