The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority invites the public to attend a Public Information Session on an environmental study for new projects at Washington Dulles International Airport. The purpose of the session is to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a future new concourse, automated airport underground train system and other related projects at Dulles.

The public may attend the session to view exhibits on Monday, June 17th, between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, 45020 Aviation Drive, Washington Dulles International Airport.

The purpose of this Environmental Assessment (EA) is to evaluate existing conditions and identify environmental effects of these proposed projects. The Proposed Action (Build Alternative) includes four elements: a new concourse with aircraft parking facilities to replace the existing Concourse C/D that was built as a temporary facility in the 1980's; an airport automated underground train system; and associated utilities and support facilities.

The new airport automated underground train system will connect the Concourses and the Terminal. The train system will be electric-powered and will substantially reduce the use of the existing Mobile Lounge service. The project will include six miles of tunnels, eight stations, and connections to the Terminal, to the concourses, and to a maintenance facility. Two separate train systems will eventually be constructed: one for domestic passengers and one for arriving international passengers.

In addition, an extensive underground tunnel system for a baggage conveyor system, baggage tug vehicles, and a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks will be constructed as part of the project.

Written comments are welcome. They must received by 5:00 p.m., July 8, 2002 and sent to:

Office of Communications, MA-10
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
One Aviation Circle
Washington DC 20001-6000

All comments submitted to the Airports Authority during the Draft EA comment period will be considered by the Airports Authority in making decisions on the project and will be addressed in the Final EA.

Agencies, neighboring community groups and other members of the public are encouraged to attend the public information session and provide comments on alternatives described in the Draft EA. Copies of the Draft EA are available for review at several area libraries (see list on Authority website) as well as on the the Airports Authority website.