Protest held in opposition to F-35s at Truax Field

Channel 3000 | Posted: January 13, 2022

MADISON, Wis. — Local activists gathered at the Dane County Regional Airport on Thursday to protest the transition to new F-35 jets at the airport.

Demonstrators said they want local officials to stop the construction of new facilities to handle the planes at Truax Field and instead clean up decades of water and soil contamination from PFAs.

“If more people understood the issue at $80 million per weapon, per jet, what we could use that money for especially now in the midst of the worst public health crisis that we’ve ever faced,” Ald. Brian Benford said.

Those opposed to the jets also argue noise pollution from the aircraft can cause hearing damage.

There are two legal actions at the federal level to stop the F-35 placement, which is scheduled to happen next year.

In a statement, Kimberly Jones, the airport’s director, said the airport, “does not have the ability to prevent the F35 beddown at the 115th (Air National Guard) Fighter Wing or the current construction underway at the base.”

“The ANG is working closely with the (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) to meet their requirements for the construction,” she said. “Further queries should be made to the ANG directly.”