Army adding 4,200 soldiers in the Pacific

[unhappycamper]

Army adding 4,200 soldiers in the Pacific
By David Briscoe - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Sep 13, 2008 6:57:46 EDT

HONOLULU — The Army is going ahead with plans to base about 4,200 more soldiers in Alaska and Hawaii.

The Army announced Friday its final decision to add 1,980 more troops in Hawaii and 2,200 in Alaska, saying it is based on mission requirements for the region, soldier and family needs and an analysis of an environmental impact statement and public comment over the past few months.

Earthjustice and other environmental groups had called for the environmental assessment for Oahu. Attorney David Henkin of Earthjustice said the additional soldiers in the islands would put more pressure on Native Hawaiian cultural sites and endangered species and also tighten the market for rental housing.

An announcement by the U.S. Army Environmental Command said the Army “will proceed with its preferred alternative” for increasing troop levels in the critical Pacific region. It said potential environmental and socio-economic impact were evaluated and some mitigations proposed. The announcement did not detail what they would be.

A report signed by Lt. Gen. James D. Thurman, Army deputy chief of staff, said the Hawaii buildup involves construction of garrison facilities at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. He said it will not include any additional live-fire training facilities.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_soldierspacific_091308/%2e