Belen airport’s proposed new runway would benefit general aviation, Air Force training

  • Published
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The City of Belen's proposal to add a new crosswind runway to the existing runway at the Belen Alexander Municipal Airport would have mutual benefits for the local community and the U.S. Air Force, said officials here.

The new runway would help the general aviation community currently operating out of Belen by providing the ability to land when crosswinds prevent use of the existing runway.

If the new crosswind-runway were built to handle Air Force C-130 aircraft landings, aircrews of the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base would be able to use the airfield for practice takeoff and landings.

To train effectively for their wartime missions of combat rescue and special operations, 58th SOW aircrews need access to airfields that provide realistic experience, simulating conditions they will encounter during operational missions when they deploy to overseas areas. The unit's aircraft will continue to be based at Kirtland, and aircrews would not stay overnight in the local area. After completing their training events, aircraft, equipment and Airmen would return to Kirtland AFB, about 26 miles from Belen.

The impact of takeoffs and landings would be similar to the low approaches already occurring with the existing runway at the Belen Airport. Agreements for the joint use of the Belen Alexander Municipal Airport would be negotiated as design and construction details become available.

A joint-use arrangement with the Air Force would help the Belen airfield become self-sufficient and create a long-term positive economic impact for the local community.

To ensure that the impact of the proposed Air Force use of the Belen airport on other users, the local community, and on sensitive resources in the Rio Grande Valley are fully evaluated, the Air Force has prepared an Environmental Assessment. The EA was published and distributed in mid-July, and the original 30-day comment period, which had been slated to close Aug. 12, 2013, has been extended through Sept. 16, 2013. The EA and the Notice of Availability is available for review at six public libraries, including the Belen Public Library, and online at www.kirtland.af.mil/environment.asp.

The Air Force welcomes public review and comments on the EA. Mail comments to the Kirtland AFB NEPA Program Manager at 377 MSG/CEIE, 2050 Wyoming Blvd. SE, Bldg. 20685, Ste. 126, Kirtland AFB, N.M., 87117-5270, or email them to NEPA@kirtland.af.mil.