Residents rally around new fighter jet for Hill Air Force Base

OGDEN — The U.S. Air Force has completed a series of public comment meetings intended to help shape its coming study of the environmental impacts of bringing a new fighter jet to Hill Air Force Base.

Residents attending the Ogden meeting seemed to be most concerned about the impacts to Hill Air Force Base if a squadron of F-35s isn't based there.

"A little noise is the sound of freedom," said Jodi Holmgren, an Ogden resident. "The community needs to get involved."

The Air Force is evaluating Hill Air Force Base for the placement of operational F-35 squadrons against other bases and national guard stations in Idaho, South Carolina, Florida and Vermont.

The F-35 is designed to replace the F-16, an aircraft that turned 30 in 2009, and other fighter jets.

Securing an F-35 squadron would only benefit Hill, said Peter Jenks, district director for U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah.

Jenks said securing Hill Air Force Base's future is Bishop's top priority and added that there are plenty of reasons the plane should be based at Hill.

The Utah Test and Training Range provides the largest block of supersonic airspace in the nation, and the base has the capability to service the aircraft, Jenks said.

Bishop is optimistic that Hill will land at least one squadron pending a successful environmental review.

At Air Combat Command Headquarters in Langley, Va., a large model of the F-35 is on display, Jenks said. And it is painted to look like it belongs to the 34th Fighter Squadron, which is based at Hill.

Jenks joked that's a good sign.

Comments received at last week's scoping meetings will help the Air Force know where to focus its study and what potential issues could arise, said Sheryl Parker, the study's project manager.

The study is designed to investigate the impacts to noise, air quality, safety, natural resources, cultural and traditional resources, socioeconomics and the community and infrastructure.

The scoping period ends March 1, so comments related to the study must be submitted by then.

Other meetings were held in Layton, Callao in Juab County and West Wendover, Nev.

Comments may also be submitted in writing and mailed to: HQ ACC/A7PS, 129 Andrews St., Suite 337, Langley AFB, VA 23665-2769, Attn: Sheryl Parker.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is expected to be completed by this summer. Once it is distributed, further public comment will be accepted before the final EIS is published in early 2011. A record of decision is expected within about 30 days of the final EIS.

For more information, visit www.airforcef-35opseis.com

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