Air Force delays F-35 basing decision, asks for more public comment

by Anne Galloway April 19, 2013 vtdigger.org The US Air Force announced on Thursday that it will delay a final decision about where it will base the F-35 fighter jet until the fall.
The Air Force will begin an additional written public comment period in the summer based on ‘ changes resulting from adding the 2010 census date to the environmental impact statement.’
The delayed decision will not have an impact on basing the F-35s ‘ at the first operational location,’ according to a statement issued by the Vermont National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard, said the delay ‘ provides the opportunity for the community to view the changes to the EIS and prepare their written comments for the Air Force.’
‘ The process continues to be transparent, deliberate and repeatable which is the best method to give decision makers all the relevant and appropriate information to make the best decision possible,’ he said.
The Burlington International Airport is one of three locations under consideration for the F-35. The Vermont Air Guard currently flies F-16 fighter jets from the airport. The F-16s, which have been in operation since the 1980s, are being phased out by the Air Force.
The proposal to base the F-35 in Burlington has met with opposition from citizens groups in South Burlington and Winooski that say the noise levels will be harmful and property values will be affected.