From: Ruth Richards

To: COM GMS.Base-Compatibility

Cc: Smith, Norma; Hayes, Dave; Bailey, Barbara; Price Johnson, Helen (DOHi)
Subject: WA Military & Community Compatibility Strategy
Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017 11:02:35 AM

WA Military & Community Compatibility Strategy - May 2017

https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/s00pl96w5wxejhc2ry2swnxxeetr5du6

A review of this draft plan raises several serious concerns for me as a resident of a
community deeply affected by the presence of the military in Washington state. The
primary concern is the lack of opportunities for citizens living near military
operations to participate or be represented in the decision making process affecting
their communities.

Specifically:

1. The draft states (p. 39 in 6.1.1) that the people of Washington state are the first
target audience of the draft. The circulation of the draft to the citizens of community
directly impacted by military operations has been very limited.After the comment
deadline this month, it is not clear that citizens beyond the limited and narrow list of
stakeholders outlined in the draft will have any opportunities for input in the plan or
implementation.

2. Military advisory bodies to be created (p. 14) do not include any community or
civilian representation.

3. The plan states that the base may have to adjust its procedures for the sake of
civilian neighbors if accidents and noise from aircraft pose public safety hazards
for communities (p.11). The plan does not describe how the community is able to
engage with the military regarding such concerns.

4. The plans Goal 3.2.1 Goal: effective and timely stakeholder engagement does not
address community engagement (p.20) in any way beyond narrowly defined
stakeholder participation.

5. The plan does not address the impact of the military operations on other economic
issues including individual property values, impact on tourism and recreation. The
plan is based on a narrowly defined business case that assumes the militarys
economic impact on adjacent communities is uniformly positive.

Overall, the plan limits the definition of stakeholders to those directly involved in
economic activities related to military operations in the state. There appears to be no
place for citizens of communities impacted by operations to be involved in decision
making related to land use planning.

Please consider meaningful opportunities for community members to participate in

decisions affecting their lives and environment.

Sincerely,

Ruth Richards
Coupeville