Thank you for contacting me regarding the Navy’s proposal to build an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in Washington and Beautfort counties. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
My view has consistently been that I will not dictate to the Navy where it should train pilots so long as the Navy follows the law in its pursuit of land for training. I recognize the importance of the Navy‘s ability to train pilots as well as the need for proper environmental stewardship in North Carolina. 1 also believe that the process, designed to produce a decision on this issue, is working.
Washington and Beaufort counties sued in federal district court in Elizabeth City to stop the Navy from building the proposed OLF. After hearing from both the Navy and local citizens, lJnited States District Court Judge Terrence Boyle issued an injunction; prohibiting the Navy from any further planning and designing of the OLF. It was Judge Boyle’s assessment that the Navy had not properly completed tile environmental impact study for the possible OLF sites, and he ordered a supplemental environmental impact study be carried out.
The 4111 Circuit Court of Appeals later up held the injunction but ruled the Navy could resume land purchases from willing sellers and conduct more tests at the site. A draft of the Navy’s supplemental study (DSEIS) was released in February 2007. Following the release of the DSEIS, the Navy announced a 60-day public comment period for citizens to express their views. During this period, six public hearings will be held. A list of the times and locations of those hearing is attached to this letter. I believe the process is moving forward, and I remain hopeful that a mutually acceptable solution to this problem can be found.
I appreciate that you took the time to write to me about this very important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of further assistance to you or visit my website at http://burr. senate.gov.
Sincerely
Senator Richard Burr
Apparently Senator Burr has decided he was elected to represent the interests of the US Navy rather than the interests of the people of North Carolina. Senator Dole has taken the same weak and unresponsive position.
No one wants to keep the US Navy from conducting critical training. It just doesn't have to also destroy one of our most treasured and environmentally productive wildlife areas.
I urge you to call your Congressman and these two Senators and express your views. The links to their numbers is to the right and above on this page...under the heading of Useful Links. (
NC Congressmen Jones, McIntyre and Price have now stated their opposition to the OLF site. )
