[CPEO-MEF] Delta Junction sues Army over high-tech training site

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Alaska
JUNEAU EMPIRE
Delta Junction sues Army over high-tech training site
Web posted Friday, August 1, 2003

FAIRBANKS - The Interior city of Delta Junction has filed a lawsuit
aimed at stopping the Army from building a high-tech training facility
too close to neighborhoods.

Fairbanks attorney James DeWitt asked for a permanent injunction in U.S.
District Court in Fairbanks on Tuesday to halt plans for a Stryker
Brigade training facility. Strykers are the Army's new armored vehicles.
Their maneuverability and high-powered technology are expected to bridge
the gap between heavy armor and light infantry.

The lawsuit claims the Army failed to comply with the National
Environmental Policy Act when it issued a finding of no significant
impact from the proposed expansion.

Officials of the city about 80 miles southeast of Fairbanks have
committed $15,000 to the legal action, expected to cost $25,000, and are
seeking donations to help pay for the rest.

DeWitt said the environmental assessment did not fairly address safety,
noise, access and other issues raised by the community.

The lawsuit asks the judge to prevent the awarding of contracts in
anticipation of the 2004 construction season and to order a more
complete environmental statement.

The Army on June 27 announced a decision to go ahead with the $65
million training plan for the site just southeast of Delta Junction over
the objections of nearly 200 residents who attended an open house on the
plan in February.

The environmental assessment showed no significant impact to the area, a
stance residents and elected officials dispute.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/080103/sta_deltajctsue.shtml

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