Maine objects to Air Guard plan for low flights

[unhappycamper]

Maine objects to Air Guard plan for low flights
By David Sharp - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Nov 13, 2009 13:02:36 EST

PORTLAND, Maine — Over the governor’s objections, the Massachusetts Air National Guard is moving forward with a proposal that would double the amount airspace in which screeching F-15 and F-16 fighter jets could conduct low-level training over western Maine.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci previously hadn’t taken a formal position, but he said Friday he opposes the military training proposal based on what he’s seen so far.

“I do not believe that serious consideration has been given to the impacts on the people of Maine nor has the appropriate level of due diligence been conducted in this process,” Baldacci wrote in a letter to Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard.

On Saturday, residents and others with a stake in the outcome of the proposal will attend a public hearing at the University of Maine at Farmington.

The hearing originally was scheduled for September but was delayed after state officials pointed out shortcomings in a draft environmental impact study. Baldacci asked for a six- to nine-month delay in the process, but the National Guard is moving forward again.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/11/ap_airguard_maine_flights_111309/