Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Support of Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Elements in Hawaii

> Subject: Draft EIS for Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Hawaii
> Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:41:23 -1000
> From: mv22h1eis@beltcollins.com

 We are writing to inform you that the Department of the Navy, on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for the Basing of MV-22 and H-1 Aircraft in Support of Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Elements in Hawaii. The Department of the Army is a cooperating agency in this NEPA process.

The Draft EIS addresses the potential environmental consequences of basing up to two Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) squadrons and one Marine Light Attack Helicopter (HMLA) squadron in Hawaii, including associated construction and renovation of facilities, personnel changes, and training and aviation operations at existing training areas.

This publication initiates a 45-day public comment period during which agencies and other interested parties may submit comments on the Draft EIS.
Public meetings, publicized in local newspapers, will be held on the islands of Hawai'i and O'ahu from November 30 to December 8, 2011, to share information and to obtain comments. In addition to meeting public involvement requirements of NEPA these meetings will provide opportunities for public involvement in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

To view the Draft EIS or submit comments online, you are invited to visit the project website at www.mcbh.usmc.mil/mv22h1eis . Comments must be received or postmarked no later than December 27, 2011. Please submit written comments to: 
Department of the Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134
Attn: EV21, MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager

If you have any questions, please contact the MV-22/H-1 EIS Project Manager by telephone at 808-472-1196 or by email via the project website. Media inquiries may be directed to Major Alan Crouch, Public Affairs Officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, telephone 808-257-8870 or e-mail alan.crouch@usmc.mil .