Dem senator raises concerns with Air Force restrictions on airspace

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) said she’s concerned the Air Force isn’t listening to local concerns about the use of airspace.

“I’m asking the Air Force to take additional steps to make sure it is proactively working with these groups, and remedying their concerns,” Heitkamp said. “If the Air Force falls short of its commitments, businesses and livelihoods could be threatened — and that’s unacceptable.”

{mosads}The U.S. Air Force is planning to expand the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) airspace in North Dakota, but Heitkamp said the changes could affect local businesses and aviators also trying to fly through the state.

Heitkamp called on the Air Force to better communicate their intentions with local aviators and businesses so they can have direct access to real-time information about Powder River activity.

“Making sure our aviators, as well as local airports, businesses, and hospitals have a direct line to Air Force operations for Powder River is absolutely critical,” Heitkamp said Tuesday. “We must make sure aviators and businesses can easily access the information they need and get their questions answered.”