Governor Baldacci Calls for More Public Comment, Environmental Study of Low-Level Military Training Flights Over 3 Counties

Press Release

April 5, 2007

AUGUSTA - Governor John E. Baldacci sent a letter today to Maine's congressional delegation concerning a plan by the Massachusetts Air National Guard to conduct low-level training flights over Western Maine.

"I have serious concerns about the proposed change and about the process," Governor Baldacci said. "I do not believe that enough time has been allowed for public comment, and I'm concerned that the environmental impact has not been fully considered."

The Massachusetts Air National Guard has proposed changing altitude restrictions on flights over parts of Franklin, Oxford and Somerset counties. Currently, military aircraft cannot conduct exercises below 2,800 feet in some areas and 6,300 feet in others. The change would lower the floor to 500 feet.

The stated purpose of the change is to allow pilots to practice low-level and low-speed air intercept missions.

In his letter to Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and Mike Michaud, Governor Baldacci asked for assistance in gaining intervener status and for Maine's Department of Transportation to be the lead agency for the state.

Citing opposition to a similar proposal in the mid-1990s and concern over the potential effects on the three-county area, Governor Baldacci also asked that a more thorough process be used for determining the environmental impact of the low-level flights.

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