The final environmental impact statement projects that more than 8,640 family members will accompany the soldiers who will arrive through 2015.
The study examines the effects on the base and in the surrounding area of potentially having as many as 1,000 new combat service support soldiers and as many as 2,800 soldiers assigned to a combat aviation brigade.
The study also includes troops the Army previously approved: as many as 1,880 soldiers recruited through its initiative to boost its ranks. Some of those soldiers have arrived; the exact number isn’t clear.
With all the additions, the number of active-duty soldiers at Lewis-McChord would approach 36,000. (The number does not include Air Force or other service members on the newly consolidated base.) Compare that with 2007, when Fort Lewis had some 23,000 soldiers.
The study identified proposed increases as its preferred option. It also examined three alternatives, including taking no action, that would bring fewer soldiers to Lewis-McChord.
The combat aviation brigade would be the most significant addition, if approved. The CAB would include 110 helicopters, 24 of which would be attack helicopters; about 700 vehicles; and associated buildings. It would support three Stryker brigades and other units already based at Lewis- McChord.
The study makes clear that this growth inside the fence will be noticeable to residents off-post.
Examples include:
• A projected 5 percent increase in traffic on Interstate 5 near the base, and a 19 percent increase in vehicles using Lewis-McChord gates during morning and evening rush hours: The study says this effect will be “less than significant” through planned transportation improvements, including the cross-base highway and interchange upgrades as well as work on two intersections.
• Significantly more noise: The study said the number of noise complaints likely would increase but said the effect can be mitigated through the base’s “Fly Friendly” program and construction of berms on some firing ranges.
• A projected increase of 2,770 children entering schools, primarily in the Clover Park and Steilacoom Historical school districts: A Pentagon spending bill working its way through Congress includes nearly $85 million to build four new elementary schools at Lewis-McChord, served by Clover Park.
• Projected demand for about 5,500 new units of housing off-post for soldiers and their families.
In addition, the study said the influx of new soldiers will spur economic development.
Christian Hill: 253-274-7390 christian.hill@thenewstribune.com
