Courtesy Art A map of proposed modifications to the Alpena Special Use Airspace Complex appears in this graphic provided by the Michigan National Guard.

ALPENA — The Michigan Air National Guard wants input on how it uses Alpena’s air.

A public comment period opening this week gives residents a chance to weigh in on proposed changes to the Michigan airspace allotted for military training.

Commonly called “the largest overland training airspace east of the Mississippi,” according to a news release from the Michigan National Guard, the special use airspace over the Alpena area and other parts of Michigan lacks the “altitude and complexity needed to train aircrews in 21st century tactics,” according to the release.

According to a National Guard spokesman, proposed changes would cause “no direct impact within a 60-mile radius of Alpena and no impact to the number of aircraft operating in the airspace complex, including in and out of Alpena CRTC.”

The Michigan Air National Guard hopes to create new military operating areas within the Alpena special use airspace and modify elevation levels in existing military-used areas.

Information about the proposed change can be found at alpenacrtc.ang.af.mil/Resources/Air-Space-Proposal.

Public input collected in 2019 modified some planned changes in the Grayling and thumb regions of the state.

Written comments should be sent to the National Guard Bureau, Attn: Ms. Kristi Kucharek, 3501 Fetchet Avenue, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-5157 or emailed to NGB.A4.A4A.NEPA.COMMENTS.Org@us.af.mil with subject ATTN: ALPENA SUA EA.