[CPEO-MEF] NC Residents To Protest Location Of Navy Jet Airfield

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

North Carolina
WAVY-TV
North Carolina Residents To Protest Location Of Navy Jet Airfield
July 25, 2003

(AP) - Washington County, North Carolina, residents plan to protest the
selection of their farm fields as the likely site of a Navy jet airfield
by circling the state Capitol in pickups and tractors next week

"We've got to fight with whatever means we've got," said Billy W. Corey,
a Washington County commissioner. "They aren't fighting fair. Why should
we?"

Residents and officials plan to meet Thursday morning to drive to
Raleigh, where they will circle the Capitol building for one hour in
trucks, cars and tractors hauled there on trailers. Several local
business owners have offered a paid day off to employees who
participate. The Washington County group plans to do the same thing
another day in Washington, D.C.

In a final environmental impact statement released last week, the Navy
recommended basing new F/A-18 Super Hornets at Oceana Naval Air Station
in Virginia Beach and at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.

Eight squadrons could go to Oceana and two to Cherry Point, or six
squadrons to Oceana and four to Cherry Point.

Construction of the outlying landing field could begin in early 2004.

Residents believe the OLF would bring the negative effects of jet noise
without the economic benefits of an aircraft base. In addition,
thousands of acres would come under federal control and be removed from
local tax rolls.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=1375824&nav=23iiH6lK

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