Navy changes course on OLF

bkrueger — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:48:05 -0500

The U.S. Navy said today it will study two sites in northeastern North Carolina and three in Virginia for a landing field where aircraft carriers pilots can practice takeoffs and landings.

The Navy said it was abandoning further consideration of its preferred site, which straddles Washington and Beaufort counties near a national wildlife refuge, reports Wade Rawlins. That site drew vigorous opposition from many local residents, environmentalists and the state's top political leaders.

The sites in North Carolina to be considered are Hale's Lake in Camden and Currituck counties and Sandbanks in Gates County.

They are within about 50 miles of Naval Air Station Oceana, where the fighter jet squadrons would be based.

But local officials in both counties as well as state leaders have expressed opposition to locating the airfield in the counties.

State Senate leader Marc Basnight of Manteo issued an immediate statement vowing to continue to oppose the sites.

"For nearly a decade, Senator Basnight has opposed the Navy's efforts to build an OLF in northeastern North Carolina," said Schorr Johnson, a spokesman for Basnight. "He has said that locating an OLF in a rural, economically distressed is absolutely unacceptable. With today's disappointing news, Senator Basnight vows to continue to fight on behalf of families who have worked this land for generations."

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole said she was discouraged by the Navy's failure to consult with local leaders in Camden, Currituck and Gates counties. She said she would oppose the Navy's efforts to acquire any site that lacks broad local support.

The Navy plans to gather public comments in the spring on the sites.

Tuesday quick hits

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:15:57 -0500

* Greg Dority will officiallly kick off his campaign for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor on Thursday in Beaufort County. (Beaufort Observer)

* U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole recognized for work encouraging air bags and seat belt laws while U.S. Secretary of Transportation in the 1980s. (Char-O)

* State's $78 billion pension system lost $306 million from June through September in part because of subprime mortgage meltdown. (Triangle Business Journal)

* Rep. Alma Adams says private auditor has been slow, expects full report on N.C. Legislative Black Caucus Foundation "by the end of the year." (GN-R)