Governor Baldacci's letter to Maine's Congressional Delegation regarding proposed low-level flight training
April 5, 2007
Dear Senators Snowe and Collins and Congressmen Allen and Michaud:
I write today to share concerns about the Massachusetts Air National Guard proposal to expand the Condor 1 and Condor 2 training area over Western Maine and to lower the flight level for those training missions. I would like to first request that you assist in ensuring that Maine is granted intervener status, and that the Maine Department of Transportation is the lead agency for the State.
As you know, the process of notification to interested and affected parties has been suspect and not appropriate for a proposal of such significance. Additionally, the brief public comment period, even with an extension to May 14th,is not enough time given the impacts of this proposal. The region that Condor 1 & 2 encompasses covers a region in Maine that has a high number of seasonal summer residents who, given the current schedule of public meetings will not
be able to attend. This will hinder the FAA's and the National Guard Bureaus ability to make an informed decision.
Lastly, given the concerns and potential impacts associated with this proposal as presented and opposition to a similar request in the mid-1990's, we believe it is appropriate that the current Environmental Assessment be elevated to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As you know, an EIS is a more thorough process and will provide better information concerning any potential effects of this proposal. MaineDOT should also be identified as a participating agency for any further NEPA compliance.
Thank you for your attention to this letter, I look forward to working with you as this process unfolds.
Governor John Elias Baldacci
