Fairchild proposes demolishing historic hangars
Officials cite cost savings, say buildings not needed
Officials at Fairchild Air Force Base have proposed demolishing five historic hangars on the flight line as a cost-saving measure.
The proposal to demolish the unused hangars is part of the Air Force’s effort to “reduce the physical footprint of its bases” by 20 percent before 2020 to save taxpayer dollars through decreased maintenance costs, officials said.
“We don’t need them anymore,” said spokesman Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski. “It would save a whole bunch of money if we just got rid of them.”
The structures and surrounding pavement will be demolished and the site will be restored to a natural state. Officials are seeking public comment and bids for the demolition.
Officials at the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron completed an environmental assessment for the proposal. The demolition will not negatively impact missions at Fairchild, officials there said, nor will there be a “noticeable impact to nearby residents or the environment.”
Because the hangars are part of a potential historic district, the Air Force has entered in a memorandum of agreement with the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, a requirement of the National Historic Preservation Act.
That agreement includes requirements for the creation of educational displays of the historic flight line, including two displays that highlight the base’s history with an emphasis on the B-52 bomber and KC-135 tanker throughout the Cold War era.
“Because the buildings are old, there’s concern that their historical value would be lost,” Buzanowski said. “So they have been thoroughly documented and photographed.”
The 30-day public comment period began July 25. Copies of the Environmental Assessment and the memorandum of agreement are at http://www.fairchild.af.mil and at the Airway Heights and downtown Spokane libraries.