The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority) proposes to implement a series of airfield improvements (the Proposed Action) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA or the Airport) in Arlington County, Virginia. Ground disturbance associated with the Proposed Action would be completed within the 100-year floodplain, as identified on the August 19, 2013 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Insurance Rate Map No. 51013C0081C. A map showing the location of the proposed airfield improvements and the floodplain encroachment can be found at: https://www.mwaa.com/sites/mwaa.com/files/legacyfiles/dca_northairfieldloi_ea_exh1_proposedfloodplainencroachment_20210519.pdf
The existing DCA airfield is a legacy of incremental airfield changes completed over several decades, during which time Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport design standards and aircraft fleets have evolved. Consequently, areas of the airfield do not meet the current FAA airport design standards for some aircraft serving the Airport, resulting in operational inefficiencies and airfield safety risks.
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to improve operational efficiency, preserve runway capacity, and enhance airfield safety. Improvements proposed within the floodplain include realignment of portions of the existing taxiway network, expansion of existing aircraft hold bays, and the removal of areas of excess pavement. Enabling projects for the Proposed Action include realignment of segments of existing vehicle service road, relocations of utilities and Airport fencing, demolition and relocation of existing navigational aid equipment, and soil preparation activities.
The environmental review, agency consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for the Proposed Action are being carried out in accordance with FAA Orders 1050.1F, Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions, Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, and Department of Transportation Order 5650.2, Floodplain Management and Protection. Portions of the existing DCA airfield are located within the 100-year floodplain. Impacts to the floodplain associated with the Proposed Action are expected to be negligible and the floodplain encroachment would not adversely affect the natural and beneficial values of the floodplain, result in a high probability of loss of human life, or result in damages that could be substantial in cost or extent, including the interruption of service or loss of a vital transportation facility.
Written or email comments regarding the floodplain encroachment may be submitted to: Tom Wasaff, Planning Department, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, 1 Aviation Circle, Washington, DC 20001-6000, or by e-mail to [email protected]. All comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM, June 28, 2021
