Environmental Impact of Griffiss Development Site to be Presented to Public

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that a public open house will take place on Feb. 3 to present the findings of the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) of the county’s “Triangle” development site at Griffiss International Airport. The meeting was originally scheduled to occur on Jan. 20.

"Oneida County is committed to responsible and strategic development that drives economic growth while maintaining environmental stewardship,” Picente said. “The Draft Environmental Assessment for the ‘Triangle Site’ is a critical step in ensuring that this project moves forward in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. We encourage the public to participate in this open house, review the findings and provide valuable input as we continue working to maximize the potential of this site for the benefit of our community."

The open house will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Innovare Advancement Center’s 2^nd floor conference room located at Griffiss International Airport, 592 Hangar Road in Rome. The County and its consultant, C&S Engineers, Inc., will be available to answer one-on-one questions and graphics will be on display for review. Forms will be provided for those that wish to submit comments in writing.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a concise document that describes a project’s potential environmental, social and economic impacts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the lead federal agency responsible for the EA.

The proposed elements of the project include:

• 286-acre site
• Conceptual plan
• Mix of aeronautical and non-aeronautical uses
• New building construction
• Paved roads, automobile parking areas, & transportation infrastructure (access roads, sidewalks, curbs, street lighting)
• Landscaping
• New perimeter fence
• Traffic roundabout and realignment of Perimeter Road
• Noise wall barrier
• Reserved green space
• Extension of utilities to site
• Demolition of two buildings
• Development of 187-acre Upland Sandpiper mitigation site
• Land acquisition or property transfer
• Removal of trees/vegetation