City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
AUS is seeking feedback and comments from the community through April 7, 2022
AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will host two community meetings this week for Austinites and Central Texans to learn more about the Environmental Assessment of upcoming airport improvement projects comprising the Airport Expansion Development Program (AEDP). A virtual meeting will be hosted on Zoom and live-streamed on the Airport’s Facebook account on Wednesday, March 23, starting at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, March 26, the airport will host an in-person Open House from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the airport campus.
Both meetings will walk attendees through the Environmental Assessment process, which evaluates and estimates potential significant environmental impacts from airport project construction and operations. A Draft Environmental Assessment document is available for the public to review and submit comments on. The draft document, public comments, and responses will be presented to the Federal Aviation Administration this spring. The public comment period ends on April 7.
“Conducting an Environmental Assessment is a key first step and milestone in delivering Airport Expansion and Development Program projects like the new midfield concourse, west gate expansion, and more,” said Jacqueline Yaft, AUS Chief Executive Officer. “Community input during this process allows us to make equitable and sound decisions in planning and building airport improvements that are not only safe for the environment but for all who use, work at, or live near the airport.”
The Draft Environmental Assessment document can be found on the project website, SpeakUpAustin.org/AUS-EA. The public is encouraged to submit comments on the project website by email to AirportEngagement@AustinTexas.gov, through the mail, or during the public meetings.
AUS launched the Environmental Assessment process in mid-2021, shortly after announcing the Airport Expansion and Development Program. Following a scoping phase in fall 2021, this is the second and final public comment period for this Assessment. The Environmental Assessment’s findings are disclosed in the Draft Environmental Assessment document, which will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) for review and a decision on whether proposed projects will create significant impacts on the environment. Construction on the reviewed projects cannot begin until the FAA issues a “Finding of No Significant Impact.” The Assessment examined the categories of air quality, biological resources, land use, noise and noise-compatible land use, cultural resources, visual effect, socioeconomics, and more.
Meeting Information
Both meetings will cover the same material and will provide Spanish interpretation.
Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Format: Virtual, via Zoom and broadcast to Facebook Live
Click here to access the Zoom registration link
Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Format: Open house, with a project overview presentation at 10:30 a.m and 12 p.m. – Come and go as you please
Location: AUS Planning and Development Building - 2716 Spirit of Texas Drive
Free parking is available in the building’s parking lot. You can also use Capital Metro’s Route 20 and Stop ID 5099 to be dropped off at the Hilton Austin Airport, which is only a short walking distance away from the meeting location.