The categories researched and studied for the draft EIS included: air quality analysis, traffic, pedestrian and transportation impacts, geology, water resources, noise, infrastructure, socioeconomics, and human health and safety. We are entering the stage of the process where we review the comments received. The public will be kept informed on the status and progress of decisions made, actions to be taken and the variations from the original DEIS that result. The final EIS is scheduled for release in the spring.

We have received a number of responses from concerned citizens, communities, and organizations. We are looking at each one very carefully. The majority of the concerns we have reviewed so far from local residents relate to the effect the construction, growth and movement of employees from WRAMC will have on traffic. As one part of our response, we have initiated further considerations, project ideas and assistance from traffic management experts to encourage staff and patients to use public transportation which is something many of the initial comments to the DEIS recommend as well.

In the next few months we will be seeing the initial phase of the construction projects. I would like to welcome Captain John Korka, Civil Engineer Corps, U. S. Navy who reported aboard last week and will lead these construction efforts. The majority of his time will be focused on directing and managing all the upcoming construction and renovation work, as well as the facilities related work on NNMC, Bethesda. While his primary duty (PRIDU) falls under the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, he will report to me as well for operational control (OPCON) in an additional duty (ADDU) relationship. This will ensure we have a synchronized unity of efforts between the construction work and treatment of our patients. While difficult, we must strive to maintain our focus on our patients and their families during the construction phase.

The final Environmental Impact Statement is due to be released some time in April. All of the comments received via email, phone call, regular mail and faxes over the past 45-day comment period will weigh heavily in those final decisions. The National Naval Medical Center has had a wonderful working relationship with the community and our neighbors for 66 years. We will do everything in our power to ensure this excellent partnership and the harmony we have enjoyed continues into the future as an improved, more capable medical center to care for our Nation’s warriors. America expects it and they deserve no less as they have entrusted their care to this great institution located in this outstanding, supportive community. It is my expectation the partnership between the community, JTF CapMed, USUHS, the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) and the Bethesda Naval Base will be able to meet those expectations for many years to come.

Commander sends,