NC Site Off List for Navy Landing Field

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Navy officials said Tuesday they will not build a practice jet landing field near a wildlife reserve in eastern North Carolina, a site widely opposed by local residents, environmentalists and state officials.

The site, which straddles Beaufort and Washington counties, was originally the Navy's preferred site for the 8,000-foot runway. The site was removed when the Navy whittled down its list of finalists from more than 20 to five, which include three in Virginia and two other sites in North Carolina.

The original site was opposed by Gov. Mike Easley, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and several of North Carolina's congressional members.

"The Navy believes that by working with state and local officials, we can understand their perspective on the issues and seek common ground on ways to mitigate impacts and identify potential benefits," the Navy said in a written statement Tuesday.

more...
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080122/nc_landing_field.html?.v=1

:applause:

Hard to find sites quite as sensitive as their previous choice, but these are not exactly free of problems.