FAA issues Draft EA for Hangar 24; Hanscom advisory committee to review Section 106 process

Mike Rosenberg told the committee that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Draft Environmental Assessment for Hangar 24 with a finding of no significant impact, and that the FAA proposed a consulting-parties meeting under Section 106/Section 4(f) (noted for January) followed by a comment period on a Memorandum of Agreement.

Dorothy Steele (Massport/OGCA) said the current document is available on Massport’s website under publications and offered to send committee members further copies. Margaret Coppe reported HFAC had asked Massport about the outlook for federal funding; Massport representatives said this year’s funding seemed secure but that they would be looking at options to increase income. HFAC also invited the Hanscom Aerospace and Technology Museum project to make a presentation, and several HATS members (including Sara Mattes) have met with museum leadership and the National Park Service superintendent.

Massport has shared East Ramp studies on noise and emissions and has decided to pursue development of the East Ramp; Massport has asked the FAA for an exclusion related to that work. Bedford said it is examining conservation issues around the East Ramp; the HATS chair suggested inviting conservation commissions to report at a future meeting.

Why it matters: The Draft EA and the Section 106 process begin a formal federal review that will shape potential development at Hanscom Field, affect historic-resources consultation and inform public comments and mitigation commitments. HATS members agreed to monitor the schedule and consider attending the consulting-parties meeting to represent local concerns.

Next steps: The FAA proposed a January consulting-parties meeting and an MOA comment period; HATS members identified the January meeting as an opportunity for local input and suggested the HATS chair ask Marilyn Fennollosa to attend to assist HATS with the Section 106 consultation.