Air Force Plans F-16 Squadron Move to Boise's Gowen Field
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Air Force plans to bring a squadron of 21 F-16 fighter jets to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho, replacing the current A-10 planes. This change means new buildings and upgrades at the base, and the community will get a chance to share their thoughts during a 30-day comment period starting now. The draft report on the impact of this move will come out in Summer 2026, with the final version expected by Spring 2027.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Potential aircraft noise and air impacts
The EIS identifies potential significant impacts related to aircraft noise, air quality, and land use from basing the F-16 squadron at Gowen Field. These impacts are specifically called out for analysis in the Draft EIS.
Basing up to 21 F-16s at Gowen Field
The Air Force proposes basing a squadron of up to 21 F-16 Block 40 aircraft (18 primary and 3 backup/reserve) at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho, replacing the current 21 A-10C aircraft (18 primary and 3 backup/reserve). The change is consistent with plans to divest all A-10 aircraft by FY2029.
Facility construction and infrastructure upgrades
The Proposed Action would require facility improvements and construction at Gowen Field to support the F-16 mission; the EIS will analyze infrastructure and utilities, transportation and parking, community services, and socioeconomics as part of that work.
30-day public scoping and EIS timeline
A 30-day public scoping period begins with this Federal Register notice (publication date February 11, 2026) for submitting comments on alternatives or impacts; the Draft EIS is anticipated in Summer 2026 and the Final EIS is anticipated in Spring 2027.
Tribal and statutory environmental consultations
The scoping and EIS process will include consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and will include consultations with federally recognized Native American Tribes; the FAA is a cooperating agency.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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