Contact: Usamah Andrabi, 832-878-4839
MADISON, WI—U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) today released the following statement after the United States Air Force announced F-35 jets would be housed at Truax Field Air National Guard Base.
“Today, the United State Air Force selected Madison’s Truax Field Air National Guard Base as one of the bases for new F-35 jets. Since the draft EIS was released in August 2019, I’ve sent multiple letters to the Air Force, submitted public comments, and been on at least 3 calls with the Air Force about my main concerns around how they will make community members whole if they chose Truax—whether that’s property value, environmental & noise issues and other ways our community would be impacted by this. We have yet to receive sufficient answers to any of our questions. We’re hoping now that these jets are coming to Truax, the Air Force can be more forthright with the information we’ve requested over the last nine months. Thus far, my concerns have never been directly addressed.
“Now the community needs to work to ensure that anyone who could be negatively affected by this decision will be made whole. According to the Environmental Impact Statement, more than 1,000 homes around the airport will now be exposed to higher noise levels because of the F-35s, and according to an analysis done by the City of Madison, some 500 homes may be ineligible for soundproofing assistance. No resident should be responsible for damages that are no fault of their own. I have requested that the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees ensure the Air Force provides funds to communities impacted by the noise of military jets, and am also drafting legislation to address these concerns myself. However, this needs to be a unified call from the community towards this effort.
“As the Air Force moves forward with this decision, I’m going to ensure we put the needs of the people of South Central Wisconsin first. I will continue to work to make sure that my concerns are addressed as we move forward.”
