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The airport is asking the Juneau Assembly to approve filling important refuge wetlands before we have enough information to understand the impacts of doing so. The airport would like us to decide now. Thoughtful residents, state and federal scientists, and others believe the decision should be made only after a full range of ideas has been presented in the forthcoming environmental impact statement (EIS). The purpose of an EIS is to lay out all options and present the pros and cons.

The airport's tidelands transfer request is based on a mandate for all U.S. airports to have 1,000 feet of extra land at each end of the runway in case a plane lands too soon or runs off the end or sides of the runway. However, in places where rivers, wetlands, highways or other factors make the full length impracticable, other choices can be made. Juneau currently has about 250 feet of runway safety area at each end of the runway.

The Assembly has received a one-sided argument from the airport against this option. The airport does not want to use EMAS because of the cost to maintain the product and other factors. FAA, not the airport, will pay to install EMAS.

The state statute that created the refuge clearly allows land to be used for airport expansion if certain criteria have been met. That has not happened yet. The EIS will provide more information for the Assembly to make a well-reasoned decision.

Eighteen acres may be a small percentage of the total refuge but eleven acres are beside the river and adjacent to the popular Airport Dike Trail. The trail is on airport land also used for emergency vehicle access. The trail provides public access to the refuge for hikers, hunters, dog walkers, parents with children in strollers, and senior citizens on bicycles. Cordial relations between the airport and the public have helped keep the trail open despite increased security requirements. Strong public interest means decisions must be made carefully.

A safe airport is essential to all of us. It is a key element in Juneau’s economic vitality, access to health care, transportation for students to school events, support of our visitor industry, and movement of people and cargo.

Is it possible that FAA will select a smaller safety area using EMAS? Yes, but we won't know until the environmental report is complete. At that time we will have facts and figures upon which to base our discussions and choices. Only then should we decide if it is necessary - or worthwhile - to remove wetlands from the refuge.

• Laurie Ferguson Craig is a regular user of the Airport Dike Trail.