Dear Friends,

The Air Force Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)  hearings on the F-16s will be held in Alaska July 15 – July 18, 2013.  I hope you will attend to show your support for our Alaska military at one of the following hearings:

• Monday, July 15 at 6:00p.m. at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer (2075 Glenn Highway, Hoskins Building)
• Tuesday, July 16 at 6:00p.m. at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club Community Center in Anchorage  (315 Price Street)
• Wednesday, July 17 at 6:00p.m. at the Fairbanks Westmark Hotel and Conference Center (813 Noble Street)
• Thursday, July 18 at 6:00p.m. at the North Pole Worship Center (3340 Badger Road)

Since I last wrote I met with Gen. Hawk Carlisle, who commands the Pacific Air Forces.  He is responsible for writing the plan to determine Eielson’s importance from a military standpoint regardless of budget concerns.  He recognizes the assessment is a key component in determining Eielson's future.  We talked about ways to make base operations more cost-effective, including alternative energy sources.

You can submit comments about the Draft EIS online, by mail or at the public hearings.  You can find a comment postcard at my Fairbanks office, at the Fairbanks North Star Borough offices and at businesses around the Fairbanks area.

Once again, thank you for your participation.  Please continue to let me know what you are thinking by visiting my website, visiting my Facebook page, or contacting Tom Moyer in my Fairbanks office at (907)456-0261.

Sincerely,

Senator Mark Begich