TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - The Air Force plans to issue an environmental impact study on basing F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at the base in Tucson, citing the location as a “reasonable alternative.”
The Arizona Daily Star reports the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was passed over for the advance fighters as the Air Force announced earlier this year that the reserve base in Fort Worth, Texas, was the preferred location.
Some Tucson residents have voiced opposition to the idea of basing the fighters locally, citing noise, health and safety concerns.
Business and civic leaders have been pushing for new missions at the base, claiming that losing any major missions could make the base vulnerable to closure.
An environmental impact study is required under the National Environmental Policy Act.
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.tucson.com
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