Attached and pasted below is a press release for consideration in your electronic newsletter/blog. The U.S. Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from military readiness training and testing activities conducting primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area. The Navy is seeing public involvement and input. As part of the public participation process, the Navy will hold open house information sessions to obtain public input on the scope, environmental resources or issues to address in the EIS. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Phone: (360) 396-1630 Fax: (360) 396-7127 liane.nakahara@navy.mil ----------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 27, 2012 Release # 12-002 NAVY TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area. The Navy is initiating the scoping process to identify community concerns and issues for analysis in the EIS/OEIS. The Navy is seeking public involvement and input, which are fundamental parts of the EIS/OEIS development under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As part of the public participation process, the Navy will hold open house information sessions to obtain public input on the scope, environmental resources or issues to address in the EIS/OEIS. The NWTT EIS/OEIS is environmental planning analysis for testing and training activities to support re-issuance of authorization for permitted activities analyzed by the Navy in previous environmental documents. The Navy proposes to adjust training and testing activities to support current and planned requirements and accommodate evolving mission requirements associated with force structure changes, including those resulting from the development, testing, introduction of new vessels, aircraft and weapon system(s). The Proposed Action would ensure the Navy accomplishes its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready military forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. The public is invited to attend open house information sessions to learn about the Proposed Action and to provide comments on factors to be considered in the EIS/OEIS. The public may arrive at any time during each open house information session. There will not be a presentation or formal oral comment session. Navy representatives will be available to discuss the project and the Proposed Action. All written comments must be postmarked or received during the comment period to be considered in the Draft EIS. Written comments must be postmarked by April 27, 2012, and mailed to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest ATTN: Mrs. Kimberly Kler - NWTT Project Manager 1101 Tautog Circle Silverdale, WA 98315-1100 Comments may also be submitted online at www.NWTTEIS.com or submitted in person at the open house information sessions. Nine open house information sessions will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Washington: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Oak Harbor School District Administrative Services Center Board Room 350 S. Oak Harbor St. Oak Harbor Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Quilcene School District Multipurpose Room 294715 U.S. Highway 101 Quilcene Thursday, March 15, 2012 Central Kitsap High School Cafeteria 3700 NW Anderson Hill Road Silverdale Friday, March 16, 2012 Grays Harbor College HUB 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen Oregon: Monday, March 19, 2012 Tillamook County Fairgrounds Auditorium 4603 E. 3rd St. Tillamook Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport California: Thursday, March 22, 2012 Eureka Public Marina, Wharfinger Building #1 Marina Way Eureka Friday, March 23, 2012 Fort Bragg Town Hall 363 N. Main St. Fort Bragg Alaska: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Ted Ferry Civic Center 888 Venetia Ave. Ketchikan Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to learn more about the project. MEDIA AVAILABILITY: If you are interested in attending the media opportunity, or for further information, contact: Liane Nakahara, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, 360-340-5372 or 360-340-5398.