FARMINGTON -– Over 200 residents attended a public comment period hosted by the Massachusetts Air National Guard last Saturday at the University of Maine, Farmington. About 50 people spoke in opposition to a proposal to lower the military flight floor from 7,000 to 500 feet over much of Western Maine known as Condor 1 and Condor 2 Military Operations Area.

The intent of the ANG in developing an Environmental Impact Study is to provide better flight training for its pilots to conduct interceptor type missions over mountainous terrain.

The public comments received that afternoon and other written comment will become part of the EIS and go before the Federal Aviation Association for approval sometime next year. The FAA will then determine if the ANG has done a complete evaluation and whether to accept the analysis of significant impacts and related mitigation plans.

This is the ANG’s third attempt to gain this airspace, which earlier proceeding led to the guard backing off.

Many, including local representatives in Augusta, congressional delegates in Washington, representatives of the Penobscot Nation, the state attorney general and the governor of Maine oppose the plan.

Others feel we should not get in the way of what our military is trying to accomplish and we should support their mission.

Prior to the meeting, last week Governor John E. Baldacci issued a formal statement registering his opposition of the proposal.

In the letter to the Director of the Air National Guard, Governor Baldacci cites the lack of responsiveness from the National Guard Bureau to questions raised about the proposal to allow the low-level flights.

“I wish to register my opposition to this proposal,” Governor Baldacci wrote. “I do not believe that serious consideration has been given to the impacts on the people of Maine nor has the appropriate level of due diligence been conducted in this process and in the Draft (Environmental Impact Statement).”

In August, the governor requested a postponement of the hearing for six to nine months in a letter he wrote. He raised a series of questions regarding the safety, noise and environmental impacts of the proposed Condor MOA.

Baldacci said questions were developed jointly by Legislators and citizens of the western mountains, staff at Maine DOT, the Quality of Place Council and the Office of the Attorney General.

“In response, I received correspondence from you dated Sept. 1, 2009, in which rationale is given for doing no further analysis regarding questions of noise, safety and environmental impact. In addition, there is an NGB staff summary sheet that recognizes the Fermata Report and the Brookings Report but suggests that any pertinent findings from those reports will only be included in the Final EIS,” Baldacci wrote.

The governor said with absence of such information, the State is unable to adequately respond to the Draft EIS as presented.

“I continue to assert that the questions raised in my prior correspondence strongly suggest that more work needs to be done to assure me and the people of Western Maine that no significant impacts will result from the proposed changes to the Condor MOA. As such, I wish to register my opposition to this proposal,” Baldacci said. “I do not believe that serious consideration has been given to the impacts on the people of Maine nor has the appropriate level of due diligence been conducted in this process and in the Draft EIS.”

The public comment period heard opposition from Attorney General Janet Mills, state representatives and senators Jared Crockett, Tom Saviello, Lance Harvell, Paul Gilbert and Walter Gooley and Penobscot Nation representative Wayne Mitchell. Also speaking in opposition or concern was Warren Cook of Kingfield and Lloyd Griscom of Phillips among many others.

Some did speak of trying to find ways to make this proposal work in the western mountains such as Ray Cramer, a World War II veteran who resides in Eustis.

Comments will continue to be received by Jan. 1 and will be part of the public record. They can be sent to Major Stephen R. Lippert, NGB/A7AM, Program Manager, 3500 Fetchet Avenue, Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20762-5157. Emailed comments can be sent to Stephen.Lippert@ang.af.mil or call 301-836-8167.

The Draft EIS can be viewed online at www.maine.gov/mdot/angcondor/index.htm.