GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Although Grissom was not selected as the primary basing location for the KC-46A Pegasus, the Air Force is holding a public hearing July 25 at Maconaquah High School in Bunker Hill to invite public comment.
The hearing, held in the high school cafeteria located at 256 East 800 South, Bunker Hill, IN 46914, is slated from 5-8 p.m. It is the second, and more formal hearing regarding the environmental impact of locating the Air Force’s latest refueling platform.
The environmental impact study is done to maintain compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and is also being done at the Air Force’s preferred location, March ARB, Calif., and the other reasonable alternative, Tinker AFB, Okla.
“The turnout for the last hearing was very good,” said Doug Hays, chief of public affairs. “We had more attendees than the other bases combined. It just shows how much support this community has for Grissom.”
Attendees will be given a brief presentation about the base, the aircraft and pertinent information from the environmental studies regarding the bed down of KC-46A main operating base.
The KC-46A aircraft would recapitalize the KC-135 tanker fleet and would continue supporting worldwide refueling, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation support.
With more refueling capacity, improved efficiency, and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC 46A will provide aerial refueling support to the DAF, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft.
The last hearing, held in December, was not as formal as the upcoming one will be. There will be a court officer, and recorder to enter statements into the public record for those that wish to speak at the event.
Attendees can make an oral statement or provide a written statement during the hearing. Those unable to attend, but still wanting to enter a statement into the record, can do so electronically a www.kc-46a-mob5.com.
Those wishing to mail their input should send it to the following address:
KC-46A MOB 5 EIS
13397 Lakefront Drive, Suite 100
Earth City, MO 63045
All inputs must be received by Aug. 14, 2023.
More information can be obtained from the project website at www.kc-46a-mob5.com.