Public comment period extended for military training expansion

The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force extended the public comment period on their proposed expansions for military training areas.

The so-called Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex describes training areas in Alaska that the military says need to be extended to adjust military training to modern day warfare in the 21^st century.

The military held a presentation in Talkeetna last week, informing the public about their proposal to create new military exercise areas and expanding existing ones. Scoping meetings in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Glennallen, Healy, Delta Junction and Wasilla were held to hear from locals about potential environmental consequences that could come with modernizing current military ground and air training in Alaska.

The military is accepting public comments now for an additional two weeks. Written comments received no later than Feb. 18, 2011, will be considered in the preparation of the draft environmental impact statement.