Notice of Availability Of Draft Environmental Assessment For
Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement at Manassas Regional Airport
US Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Availability Of Draft Environmental Assessment For
Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement at
Manassas Regional Airport, Manassas, Virginia
FAA ID NO.: EAXX-021-12-ARP-1758268508
The City of Manassas (City), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Replacement at Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), in Prince William County, Virginia. Pursuant to Title 49, United States Code, § 47106(c)(1)(A) and Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Draft EA is being circulated for review and comment from the public and federal, state, and local agencies.
Comments from the federal, state, and local agencies and the public will be considered part of the Final EA. The Final EA will be submitted to the FAA for the agency's environmental determination.
Proposed Action: The City proposes the construction and operation of a replacement ATCT to improve the functional and operational capabilities of the service provided by replacing the existing ATCT. The Proposed ATCT would be up to 120 feet tall and provide improved line of sight, extended cab space, upgraded HVAC systems, enhanced security, better facilities, and improved structural integrity; these would ensure the continued safe and efficient air traffic management at the Airport. After construction of the replacement ATCT is complete and the proper equipment is installed, tested, and operational, the existing ATCT would be demolished.
Summary of Impacts: A Draft EA has been prepared to disclose the potential economic, social, and environmental impacts of the Proposed Action. The EA discusses the Proposed Action, alternatives, and potential environmental effects in areas including Air Quality, Biological Resources, Climate, Coastal Resources, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Act and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, Farmlands, Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and Pollution Prevention, Natural Resources and Energy Supply, Noise and Noise-Compatible Land Use, Socioeconomics and Children's Health and Safety Risks, Visual Effects, and Water Resources. Although impacts were identified, the research and analysis provided in the EA resulted in no significant impacts. Potential impacts and mitigation measures are described in the Draft EA.
Pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), coordination was conducted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) regarding the potential impacts on biological resources. The USFWS concluded the Proposed Action would have no effect or not likely to adversely affect any federally listed species or designated critical habitat protected by the ESA.
The FAA consulted with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Virginia DHR concurred with the FAA's no adverse effect determination on April 16, 2025, regarding the replacement ATCT site. The Virginia DHR concurred with the FAA's no historic properties affected determination on January 30, 2026, regarding the FAA Remote Transmitter/Receiver (RTR) site. This notice also fulfills the Section 106 consultation requirements.
A portion of the Proposed Action is within a 100-year floodplain. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, notice is given that the Proposed Action constitutes an encroachment into the 100-year floodplain. The potential impacts and mitigation measures are described in the Draft EA.
Draft EA Availability: The Draft EA is available for public review on the Airport's website https://flyhef.com/about/plans-projects/plans-studies and at the following locations:
Prince William County Public Library- Central Library
8601 Mathis Ave,
Manassas, VA 20110
Manassas Regional Airport
10600 Harry J Parrish Blvd
Manassas, VA 20110
How to Comment: Comments on the Draft EA should focus on the Proposed Action's economic, social, and environmental effects. Electronic comments may be sent to David Alberts (David.Alberts@rsandh.com). Written comments can be mailed to either of the recipients below:
RS&H, Inc. Manassas Regional Airport
Attn: Mr. David Alberts Attn: Mr. Juan Rivera, Airport Director
10748 Deerwood Park Boulevard South 10600 Harry J Parrish Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32256 Manassas, VA 20110
The public comment period is 30 days and will begin on 2/19/26 and will close on 3/21/26. Electronic and hand-delivered comments must be received before 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on 3/21/26. Mailed comments must be postmarked no later than 3/21/26.
The City will host a Draft EA Public Meeting on 3/10/26 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Manassas Regional Airport. The Public Meeting will include exhibit boards, solicit comments regarding the Proposed Action, and discuss the potential environmental impacts with the City and its consultant (RS&H, Inc.). All Draft EA comments will be addressed in the Final EA.
Be advised that all comments can only be accepted with the full name and address of the individual commenting. All comments received, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.