LOCK HAVEN - Discussions regarding a Memorandum of Understanding that would allow Maryland based National Guard to use airspace in Clinton County are far from over.
That's the word from Clinton County Commissioners Jeff Snyder and Angela Harding during the board's voting session on Thursday.
The Maryland Air National Guard (ANG) has proposed using the PA Wilds as a new training site for its A10 bombers. Katie De Silva brought this news to the commissioners during their work session on Monday morning.
The ANG has proposed to establish the Duke Low Military Operations Area (MOA) over portions of Clinton, Potter, McKean, Elk and Tioga counties. The MOA, if approved, would allow the Maryland ANG and at least three other wings to facilitate low-altitude training - as low as 100 feet above ground - for two hours a day, up to 272 days a year.
According to the 175th Wing website, the proposal doesn't include just A10s. The proposal would also authorize New Jersey and D.C. wings to fly F16s. In addition, other wings across the country could request airspace. The Maryland ANG estimates as much as 272 days of use and include various military aircraft, including F22s and F35s. If approved, ANG will control the airspace and who flies in it.
"We have been contacted by a lot of constituents showing concern. We want to be very clear, you won't find three commissioners who are more supportive of military," Snyder said. "That's not what this is about. This is about rural constituents' ways of life."
Snyder said county residents, he and his fellow commissioners have questions that need answered. Many of which involved not only the environmental impact on the area but the economic impact as well.
"People from other areas buy property to come up here for recreational purposes," he said. "Can you imagine if you own several hundred acres and you come up to hunt... you've got an eight point buck in your scope and here comes this A10 jet at 100 feet and that 8 point buck takes off. Next thing you know that land owner is going to be putting a "for sale" sign up."
Harding echoed many of Snyder's statements.
"I support our military. I do think that that the messages that we've received not only today but through emails expressing concern are valid. I think we need to be very clear with the Maryland based National Guard that we have some serious concerns," she said. "Our main objective at this point is for them to continue to take a closer look at our community and perform an environmental impact study."
Harding stressed that the county isn't shutting out the idea but "there's room for negotiation and I think we need, and deserve a better and closer look and more conversations before those things happen."
Three members of the public attended the meeting in-person Thursday to speak against the proposed memorandum.
"As a land owner and an avid volunteer at the Foster Sayers Dam at the Bald Eagle State Park, I am alarmed and concerned about any approval that you might be asked to give for the Maryland International Guard," resident Rhonda Davis Sweeney told the board.
Sweeney requested the board consider conducting their own environmental impact study.
"I think it would largely affect our tourism, our wildlife, everything that the Clinton County area has done to encourage others to come here," she said.
Sweeney also noted her concerns about that lack of communication ANG had with the William T. Piper Memorial Airport.
"Piper Airport hasn't even been consulted. And the Sentimental Journey (Fly-In) is a huge draw for this area," she said.
Sweeney's husband - Ben Sweeney- also addressed the board.
"I have one question for you, how does this benefit Clinton County? It they're in Maryland why don't they stay in Maryland?" he said.
Sweeney addressed his concerns with the environmental impact. During the work session, Board Chairman Miles Kessinger noted that the study was done "from a desk in Washington, D.C. They looked at a map, they saw a rural area and they said, 'oh, we're not going to bother anybody, it's fine.'"
"I lived next to air bases like this and it's going to turn this place into a warzone," he said. "I just don't see where the benefit is to us as a community."
"All of us that live here, primarily live here because we like the area and to have them turn it upside down because it's inconvenient for them to fly around D.C. or Maryland... it just doesn't make any sense," he continued.
Both Sweeneys thanked De Silva for bringing the memorandum to the commissioners and public's' attention.
Denise Maris, a resident of Renovo, also spoke.
Maris told the commissioners she currently resides in the Renovo area and researched the topic herself before attending the meeting.
"They're asking for this fly over proposal, which is between 10 a.m. and noon and then from 2 to 4. Our children are currently in school during that time so I'm not sure what that impact might be for children when they're hearing these loud noises over our area," she said.
Both Maris and Snyder questioned the restriction of air travel and what that may mean for emergency response.
"What happens to Life Flight? Can they still fly in the area if somebody gets hurt? Or will this impact access to emergency services?" she questioned.
Snyder said the question asked was a great one. "If in fact air traffic is shut down, what do we do about Life Flight? We have more questions than answers right now," he said.
Snyder encourages the community to reach out and express their concerns in writing to the board.
"There'll be more to come on this. Folks, don't wait until it's too late. Voice your concerns now," he said. "We're still in the questioning stage here and it's time to get your questions out there. And believe me, you have three county commissioners that are open to your questions."
Snyder said he has reached out to Congressman Fred Keller and Senators Cris Dush and Bob Casey to set up times to meet and discuss the matter.
"I know that there are other entities who are getting involved in this," he said.
