What is a Record of Decision? BY SCOTT LANDGUTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH DAKOTA ELLSWORTH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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s you have undoubtedly heard, the Record of Decision (ROD) for the B-21 mission was signed in June. This was the final step in the process to declare Ellsworth AFB the home of the first B-21 operational squadron and training mission. There was confusion with the announcement of the ROD, many thought it had already been decided. And it was, for the most part. A ROD is the final step in a long environmental impact study process dictated by National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). In March 2019, the Air Force announced their initial recommendation that Ellsworth be the first home for the new B-21 Raider. That announcement triggered the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) where many potential affects to things like plant life, wildlife, land, historical sites, socioeconomic, and noise we evaluated and presented to the public for input. The EIS studied the potential impact at Ellsworth AFB, Dyess AFB, as well as a ‘no action’ alternative. The EIS identified no significant differences to the impact of the B-21 mission between Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB, and therefore supported the initial recommendation of the Air Force’s Strategic Basing Decision to house the first B-21 Raiders at Ellsworth. Along with the environmental factors, the Record of Decision considered family readiness factors. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 required the Air Force to take into consideration housing, health care, and interstate portability of
professional licensure and certifications when determining basing decisions. The inclusion of these considerations denote the important role quality of life of military families plays in the national security mission. The work our community is doing to welcome military families into our schools, workforce, and neighborhoods matters. Now that the Record of Decision is signed the base can start awarding construction contracts on facilities, both new construction and remodeling of existing structures. The B-21s are currently being built and are estimated to begin arriving at Ellsworth in the 2025-2026 time frame. Working back from that date, all buildings, personnel, weapons, and support missions will need to be in place by the time the aircraft arrive on station. Therefore, we will start to see personnel arriving at Ellsworth in the very near future. In total, after the B-21 bed down is complete and the B-1 is phased out, there will be an increase of approximately 3,200 military members, spouses, and children to the area. Bringing the population at Ellsworth AFB upwards of 15,000 Airmen and families. There is much work to be done in preparation of the mission, both on and off base. We will start to see more construction on-base and continue to have conversations on how to best welcome and support the increased population. We are thrilled to welcome the B-21 Raider to Ellsworth AFB and will keep celebrating and engaging community in the important milestones related to the bed down process.
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