Military to hold public meeting regarding proposed training ground expansion

The military is proposing to expand the so-called Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which is an area used for military testing, training, joint exercises and mission rehearsals.A large portion of the Talkeetna Mountains and a big swath of land between the Glenn Highway, the Parks Highway and north of the Denali Highway are proposed to be used for military operations. Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright, Tanana Flats and areas around Delta Junction would also be impacted by air or ground military training.

The proposal aims to modernize and expand existing military training and testing areas through new military operations areas, restricted airspace, airspace corridors, ground maneuver training areas. The military is going to prepare an environmental impact statement and is now in the phase to gather public input on their plans.

The U.S. Army and the Air Force are holding public scoping meetings that include Anchorage, Glennallen, Delta Junction, Healy, Fairbanks, Wasilla and Talkeetna.

The Talkeetna meeting is going to take place on January 25 at 6:30 pm at the Swiss Alaska Inn.