Air Force Plans Radar Towers in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada for Sky Threats
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Air Force plans to build new radar sites in the Northwest to spot airborne threats early and keep America safe. This will involve buying land and building radar stations in Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada, with public meetings starting in May 2025 to hear your thoughts. The project aims to boost homeland defense without rushing, making sure the environment is protected along the way.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Land acquisition and BLM withdrawal proposed
The Air Force would acquire land currently owned and managed by the Oregon Military Department and seek to withdraw land managed by the Bureau of Land Management for siting and construction, using purchase, lease, and withdrawal actions conducted through the DoD Major Land Acquisition Proposal.
Environmental and cultural resource analysis and consultations
The EIS will analyze potential impacts to cultural, visual, and biological resources and the DAF will consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and with the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and federally recognized tribes under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Two long-range radar systems planned
The Department of the Air Force proposes to acquire land for, construct, and operate two Homeland Defense Over-The-Horizon Radar (HLD-OTHR) systems in the northwest United States to provide persistent, long-range early detection of airborne threats.
Public scoping meetings and 45-day comment period
A 45-day public scoping period begins on the NOI publication date with five in-person meetings and one virtual meeting scheduled: Mountain Home, ID (May 6, 2025); McDermitt, NV (May 7, 2025); Ontario, OR (May 8, 2025); Christmas Valley, OR (May 13, 2025); Burns, OR (May 14, 2025); and a virtual meeting on May 19, 2025. Comments may also be submitted by mail or via the project website.
EIS and decision timeline announced
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is anticipated in early 2026, the Final EIS is anticipated in summer 2027, and any decision would be made no earlier than 30 days after the Final EIS.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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