Eielson Air Force Base proposes demolishing 18 structures as part of munitions consolidation; SHPO concurrence pending

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — Eielson Air Force Base staff told the Fairbanks Special Historic Preservation Commission on July 25 that a proposed consolidation of munitions storage would include demolition of 18 structures in the Engineer Hill historic district and construction of new facilities outside the Quarry Hill Munitions District.

Why it matters: The proposal affects buildings that the Air Force identified as National Register–eligible and contributing to a historic district, triggers Section 106 consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act, and will require mitigation or a memorandum of agreement (MOA) if adverse effects are found.

The Air Force’s representative, Brooks Lawler, said the project would demolish 18 structures on Engineer Hill, including 13 the Air Force has identified as National Register–eligible and contributing. “The project is proposing to demolish 18 structures,” Lawler said. He told the commission the demolition would be part of a wider effort to consolidate munitions in a single, modernized storage area to reduce transportation and improve storage conditions.

Lawler said four structures were determined not eligible for the National Register and one building previously tagged for reevaluation in 2005 remains proposed as ineligible for now. Five of the National Register–eligible buildings are wooden guard towers; the Air Force said demolition of those towers would produce adverse…