Child Development Center Construction Project Final Environmental Assessment.

摘要

The Department of the Air Force has conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the probable environmental consequences for the construction of a new Child Development Center (CDC) on Eglin Air Force Base. There is a current deficit in childcare facilities on the installation; there is a need to provide childcare facilities for 500 children at Eglin AFB. The current emphasis on childcare programs and the Air Force mandated increases in ages of children eligible for childcare services has created a waiting list of over 350 to 450 children. Families rarely withdraw from childcare services except for PCS orders; therefore, the turnover rate of participants remains very low. Providing adequate childcare facilities to military members contributes greatly to good morale and the retention of these highly trained troops in the military. The present childcare facility is operating at a maximum capacity of 200 children. Eglin AFB proposes to construct a new CDC on a vacant parcel southeast of Chapel No. 2. This new 24,600 square foot facility could support 305 children. Construction of a CDC would include a parking lot, a pick-up/drop-off area, and an outdoor activity area. The existing CDC would remain intact and would continue to operate. Chapter 2 of the EA provides a detailed description of the Proposed Action.