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Wondering what’s happening with the Environmental Assessment (EA) now that the first big public meeting is done?  The project has moved into a time of information gathering and field research that will continue into the fall.  Many of the technical teams, including biologists, wetlands specialists, historians and archeologists have already started their work.  The first tasks involve reviewing existing information about the site and coordinating with regulatory agencies.  Soon, some of the work will move into the field.  

Over the next five months, different experts will work on topics ranging from air quality and water quality to socioeconomic impacts and noise.  The investigations will address the 23 Environmental Impact Categories required by NEPA.  In the fall, a second public meeting will present the results of the investigations as they apply to the alternatives. 

Your ideas and opinions are welcome at all times through the website’s comment form.

Two aircraft on display at the open house.

Residents walk through a series of open house displays.

Over 80 people attended the first open house event at the Cuyahoga County Airport.

The event was held on February 27^th in a private hangar on the airport which provided lots of space for the display boards and comment area.  It also gave visitors a glimpse at two of the aircraft operating at the airport. If you weren’t able to attend, you’ll find all of the information here.

Visitors to the open house were free to wander through a series of seven display stations that included a project overview, timeline, history, review of the environmental process and the alternatives being considered.  A copy of the event guide is available on the Documents and Links page.  The display boards from each station are also posted and available to view.  The newsletter and fact sheet handouts are also available.

A comment area was available so visitors could leave written ideas and questions on paper at the open house—and over half of the people did!  Visitors also took the opportunity to have direct conversations with the project team and Cuyahoga County staff members.  Some came with questions and others came in to share their opinion in person.  If you were not able to attend this time, comments can be mailed in at any time or can be submitted electronically through the Contact page.  The second open house is planned for later this fall.  Watch the website for information on the exact date and time later this year.

The first of three newsletters is done and made its debut appearance at the Open House on February 27^th.  It includes lots of the information and photos that were presented at the Open House.  You can see it now on the Documents and Links page.

A Fact Sheet with questions and answers about the project is also posted on the Documents and Links page.

Need a paper copy?  Paper copies are being distributed to Cuyahoga and Lake Counties and to Highland Heights, Richmond Heights and Willoughby Hills.

Cuyahoga County, owner of the Cuyahoga County Airport, is holding an informational open house:

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 3:30—7:30 PM at the Cuyahoga County Airport

26180 Curtiss Wright Parkway, Richmond Heights, OH 44143

The open house is a “drop in” event—there is no formal presentation scheduled so attendees may arrive any time between 3:30 and 7:30 PM. The event is open to the public and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.

The purpose of the event is to provide the public with project information and to give members of the public an opportunity to ask questions and leave written comments. Members of the consulting team will be available to answer questions and refreshments will be provided.

The public notice is available on the Documents and Links page.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is the evaluation process required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that requires the FAA and most other federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of an action prior to making decisions.

An EA is a comprehensive analysis of the social, economic and environmental impacts of a particular project.  The EA process also involves extensive public outreach and public involvement.  A Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA provides more information about the process and how to participate.

In the end, a determination is made as to the significance of the project’s environmental impacts.  If potential impacts identified in the EA are not considered significant, the proposed project may proceed.  If potential impacts are considered significant, an Environmental Impact Statement is required.  An EA typically takes between 12 to 18 months to complete.

The EA project will address both a runway pavement repair project and a safety area project.  There is FAA funding available for runway repair projects but the Runway Safety Area (RSA) must be improved at the same time as a condition of federal funding.

 Read more

Public participation is an important part of an Environmental Assessment (EA) project.  There are lots of ways to participate.

Stay informed.  This website is the place to find the most current project information.

• All new information is added to the “Blog” page so check back regularly and read the latest.
• If you’re wondering about the next public meeting, visit the “Public Participation” page.
• To sign up for project emails or send a comment to the project team, go to the “Contact” page.
• Find answers to the most popular questions on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Submit comments.  Electronic participation is available 24/7.  Comments can be sent electronically to the project team at any time through the “Contact” page of the website.  Messages that include a name and email address will be included in the official public record.  Comments can also be written down on paper and mailed to the Cuyahoga County Airport.

Attend public meetings.  There will be two open houses and one public hearing.  These are the best opportunities for Public Participation.  Written comments will be collected at all public meetings.