[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 19364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-8863]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force


Notice of Availability (NOA) of Record of Decision (ROD) on the 
Realistic Bomber Training Initiative (RBTI) Final Environmental Impact 
Statement (FEIS)

    On March 24, 2000, the United States Air Force signed the Record of 
Decision (ROD) for the RBTI training proposal, and has selected 
Alternative B (Lancer Military Operations Area (MOA) and Instrument 
Route 178) for implementation. RBTI is designed to more effectively and 
efficiently train B-1 and B-52 aircrews assigned to Dyess and Barksdale 
Air Force Bases (AFBs). RBTI proposes linking existing military 
training routes (with minor modifications) to the proposed Lancer MOA, 
and an electronic scoring site system. RBTI will provide realistic 
combat training by providing sequenced training scenarios closely 
resembling combat situations that require every crewmember working 
together to successfully complete. Lastly, RBTI will also make more 
efficient use of limited flight hours by reducing low-value transit 
time to current training ranges.
    Based on the analysis presented in the FEIS released in February, 
agency input, and public comments, the Air Force has selected the 
alternative that will best achieve their goal of balancing readiness 
training with environmental and community concerns. Where feasible, the 
Air Force developed mitigation measures and/or management actions to 
minimize the environmental impact and address concerns and comments of 
agencies and the public. Additionally, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) was a cooperating agency in the preparation of the 
FEIS. The Air Force will continue to work with the FAA, other federal 
and state agencies, and local communities to solicit their inputs 
during and after the establishment of the RBTI.
    Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Dyess 
AFB Public Affairs Office, 466 5th Street, Dyess AFB, TX 79607 or call 
915-696-2861.

Janet A. Long,
Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-8863 Filed 4-10-00; 8:45 am]
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