Federal Aviation Administration Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for New Dulles Runways

The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) makes the following statement concerning the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) covering proposed new runways at Washington Dulles, construction of a third midfield terminal in the future, and expansion of the automated people mover, whose first phase now is under construction to replace the mobile lounges.

"The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) supports the locally preferred alternative - Build Alternative 3 - identified in the DEIS. This is clearly the best option of those presented. The no build option offers a scenario of worsening delays and would produce more pollutants than the preferred alternative. Build Option 4 would consume more land, cost more, and generate more noise impact.

The only buildings affected by the locally preferred alternative would be part of the federally owned and operated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility on Route 606. No environmental impacts were identified in the 32- month long study that could not be readily mitigated. This happy situation is a result of good long range planning by Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before 1987, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority thereafter.

A Task Force survey in April 2004 of 500 homeowners living closes to Washington Dulles concluded that 90% of Dulles neighbors see the airport as an asset, and 90% regularly use air travel. The Task Force will offer the FAA a more detailed comment later."

The Washington Airports Task Force (WATF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) Virginia corporation that works to promote the expansion and enhancement of aviation services for the National Capital region. As such, its views represent consumer, civic, and economic interests in a region whose tourism and high tech employment is closely tied to the proficiency of its scheduled air service.

This statement may be attributed to Leo Schefer, President, Washington Airports Task Force or to the Washington Airports Task Force.