The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (the Authority) is proposing a redevelopment of Terminal B/C, which includes the construction and operation of a New North Concourse (NNC), a Secure National Hall, and enabling projects related to these improvements at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).  The improvements include: replacing 14 off-gate regional aircraft hardstand positions with 14 regional aircraft contact gates; demolition of the Authority’s Corporate Office Building and relocation of the Authority’s employees to an off-airport location; demolition of Hangar 11 and relocation of tenants to renovated facilities in the South Hangar Line area at DCA; demolition and replacement of Hangar 12 with a similar facility in the same general area; construction of two new security screening checkpoints (SSCPs) over the arrivals level roadway at the National Hall Level; conversion of National Hall to a post-security secure area; and other related improvements.  The proposed projects would not increase the number of existing or forecast aircraft operations by time of day, aircraft type, or stage length.

As an integral part of the planning for this project, a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to evaluate existing conditions and potential environmental effects pursuant to the requirements and guidelines of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts:  Policies and Procedures, and FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions.  The Draft EA addresses the environmental consequences of the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative.

Beginning July 1, 2016, copies of the Draft EA are being made available for public review and comment at the following libraries: Arlington County Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201), and Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 S. 18^th St., Arlington, VA, 22202).  Copies of the Draft EA are also available for review, by appointment, at the Federal Aviation Administration Washington Airports District Office, 23723 Air Freight Lane, Dulles, VA, 20166, (703) 661-1365. The Draft EA can also be reviewed by clicking on the attachments below.

The Authority also invites the public to attend a Public Review Workshop that will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Historic Main Terminal adjacent to Terminal A at DCA.  Representatives from the Authority and its Consultant Team will be available to answer questions throughout the public workshop, and graphics will be on display illustrating the purpose and need for the proposed improvements, alternatives considered, the Authority’s preferred alternative, affected environment, and environmental consequences.

An opportunity to submit written comments will be provided during and after the Public Review Workshop.  Written comments may be submitted to Planning Department, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, 1 Aviation Circle, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, DC 20001-6000, or by e-mail to [email protected].  Comments must be received by 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Thursday, August 4, 2016.

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.  While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.