Why the Tanker Public Hearing is crucial to success

Earlier this year more than 300 people attended a Public Scoping meeting at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.  Their presence sent a strong statement to the Air Force that south central Kansans were serious about their support of McConnell AFB.  In May the Air Force announced that McConnell AFB had been selected as the “preferred alternative” for the first Main Operating Base for the new KC-46A refueling tanker.  Phase II of the decision-making process is now coming to an end. A Public Hearing next Tuesday, November 12, is being hosted by the U.S. Air Force regarding the recently published Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Once again, numbers count.  A good showing of businesses and citizens will underscore our community’s support of McConnell as the home of the first Main Operating Base for the new tankers. Attendees at Tuesday’s hearing will have the opportunity to make a verbal statement, submit written testimony, or just sign-in to show quiet support.  Several people have already stepped forward to make verbal statements.  We encourage you to join that list. New tankers for McConnell Air Force Base mean good things for our region and for the state.  Please mark your calendar and stop by the Hughes MetroPlex on Tuesday to give a few minutes of your time to this important community effort. McConnell Air Force Base currently has an annual economic impact of more than $619 million within a 50-mile radius of the base.  Transitioning from the KC-135 to the KC-46A is slated to include $220+ million in new construction projects and an increase of 200 jobs. Tuesday is all about showing up!  I hope we can count on you. Tuesday, November 12 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.) WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5015 E. 29^th Street North, Room 180 Here are some links to learn more:

• Friends of McConnell Facebook page
• Air Force KC-46A Beddown Site
• Wichita Business Journal
• Derby Informer

Pat Gallagher Military Liaison Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce

Sedwick County Chairman Jim Skelton and Derby City Manager Kathy Sexton were among 300 people who attended the public information event hosted by U.S. Air Force staff on April 11, 2013.