planned actions for addressing the obstructions. The area captured in the
gold rectangle in the preceding graphic is the area where there are utility
poles that are identified in the Maxwell AFB airfield waiver request. These
poles require replacement to a frangible pole in order to reduce the risk
profile within this area and these structures.
Maxwell AFB has been working with the Montgomery Metropolitan Planning
Organization, Alabama Power, and the City to replace the wooden light poles,
with frangible poles and buried power lines. The City of Montgomery and
Montgomery County have coordinated with Maxwell AFB to remove
unnecessary roadway and utility infrastructure.
In addition to the roadway infrastructure, a major railroad,
CSX Transportation, traverses the southern CZ. The primary concern
regarding the railroad infrastructure in the CZ is safety for the pilots, railroad
personnel, and the general public. According to the latest AF AICUZ
recommended guidelines, railroads are typically prohibited in the CZ. The
AF AICUZ guidance indicates that placing these structures or above ground
utility lines and other infrastructure is subject to severe restrictions.
this report was developed, Maxwell AFB had not applied for REPI funding to
secure land buffers around priority areas of the base.
Findings
Not all property within the southern CZ is owned or controlled by
Maxwell AFB.
The City of Montgomery’s Zoning Ordinance does not reflect adequate
military compatible guidelines including the latest AF AICUZ
recommended land uses.
The City, County, and Montgomery Metropolitan Planning
Organization have been working with Maxwell AFB to replace certain
utility infrastructure with frangible poles to reduce the degree of
impact should an aircraft mishap occur in this area.
Requirements for coordination among all stakeholders affected by the
City’s AHA are non‐existent. Most importantly, neither the railroad nor
its operators or managers are discussed in the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan is not current and does not reflect
current policies for coordination among all stakeholders including
Maxwell AFB and the Montgomery‐Flomaton Railroad operators and
managers.
There are no tools that address the railroad compatibility in this area
including measures for communication and coordination with the railroad
operator.
The city’s zoning ordinance includes an AHA that restricts the height of
structures and trees within two miles of an airfield, but the AHA does not
include regulations to restrict use in accordance with Maxwell AFB’s AICUZ
report or the latest AF AICUZ recommended guidance. In addition, the AHA
does not reflect requirements for coordination among all stakeholders within
this area that includes the railroad operators or managers.
The Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program is
designed to remove or avoid land use conflicts by using a partnership
program to buffer land around sensitive military training areas. At the time
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Background Report
June 2017