[CPEO-MEF] Opponents vow to appeal SBX

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Washington
EVERETT HERALD
Opponents vow to appeal SBX
By David Olson
Saturday, July 26, 2003

EVERETT -- Opponents of the military's proposal to put a 25-story radar
platform in Port Gardner Bay are planning to appeal a recently released
environmental impact statement they say minimizes the negative effects
the structure would have on Everett.

The impact statement reverses a finding in a February draft report that
the sea-based X-band radar -- or SBX -- would have no visual effect on
Everett. But it doesn't go nearly as far is it should in assessing the
economic, environmental and health effects it would have on the city,
opponents said.

Everett is one of six locations the Department of Defense is considering
for the massive platform, which would test a system to detect and target
incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ronald
Kadish will likely select a site by the end of next month, said Missile
Defense Agency spokesman Rick Lehner.

If a decision comes that early, Concerned Citizens Against the SBX will
likely file an immediate appeal in federal court, said David Mann, a
Seattle attorney recently hired by the group.

On Friday, Mayor Frank Anderson wrote a letter inviting Kadish to visit
Everett before he makes a decision and reminding him of community
opposition to the SBX. Both the Everett and Mukilteo city councils have
passed resolutions urging the military to place the platform elsewhere.

Anderson said he was disappointed in the report.

"They make it seem like the effects are so insignificant that it's not a
big deal," he said. "It's stupid to make those statements, because it is
a big deal."

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.heraldnet.com/Stories/03/7/26/17260043.cfm

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