WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, recently announced that she has successfully included language in the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill that directs the Federal Aviation Administration to hold a public hearing in Western Maine regarding proposed Air National Guard training flights.

In a letter to the FAA earlier this year, Senator Collins requested that the agency hold a hearing in Maine as part of its consideration of the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s proposal to expand and lower the flight level for the Condor 1 and Condor 2 flight training areas over Western Maine. To date, the FAA has not made a commitment to schedule a hearing.

“The senator has responded to our concerns with action! I really appreciate her efforts to insure everyone’s —those for and those against— this air space designation will get a chance to speak,” Rep. Tom Saviello remarked.

Language that Senator Collins worked to include in the FY 2011 Transportation funding bill, which was approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee, directs the FAA to hold such a public hearing. This bill must now be approved by the full Senate.

“I have worked to help ensure that the concerns of residents are considered before policy changes are made with regard to the proposal to expand and lower the flight level for Condor 1 and Condor 2 training areas over Western Maine,” said Senator Collins.

“While I understand the need and importance of providing appropriate training capacity for our Air National Guard, we need all possible information about the effects of these proposed changes.”