Executive Summary
The Billings location was the only alternative that meets all the screening criteria and fulfills the purpose and need of this project. This location would provide improved coverage in Eastern Montana, remedying the gaps in aviation coverage. The Billings Logan International Airport has all requisite services for MTARNG, including air traffic control and tower, radar, and fire response. In addition, the proposed location is the furthest from residential development. Stationing the LAASF in Billings is the MTARNG’s Preferred Alternative and is evaluated in detail in this EA.
Under the Preferred Alternative, the LAASF would be located in a hangar that MTARNG currently leases from the privately-owned Billings Flying Service (BFS), located immediately west of the Billings Logan International Airport (refer to Figure 2-3). BFS operates similar helicopter activities out of the adjacent hangar and helicopter pad. The property is accessed from Highway 3 via AJ Way. Up to two temporary portable offices would be located on the property adjacent to the hangar. Personal vehicles would be parked in the gravel or asphalt lot adjacent to the hangar. The hangar is served by electricity and a septic system. Water is provided via a cistern. MTARNG would develop and execute a plan to sample and test the quality of drinking water. In 2019, Montana Department of Military Affairs entered into an agreement with BFS to lease hangar space. Under the Preferred Alternative, MTARNG would begin operations out of this hangar.
The 14 full-time personnel would live in their personal residences in Billings or the surrounding area and commute to the hangar daily. On drill weekends, the estimated 90 personnel would travel to the hangar from their residences. Given that Billings is the largest community in Montana and has a higher number of MTARNG personnel living there compared to other locations, it is estimated that 30-40 soldiers would stay in local hotels during drill weekends.
