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Low-level military aircraft fly-overs pose too much risk

hile we believe our country must have the most effective and well-trained military in the world, we also believe the public should oppose the proposed “Duke MOA” that would have U.S. military aricraft flying at speeds in excess of 1,000 mph just over treetops in our beloved PA Wilds.

For context,the Maryland Air National Guard (ANG) has put forth what’s called the Duke Low Military Operations Area Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) that would ultimately allow A10 bombers and F16 fighter jets to fly at supersonic speeds at low-altitude over all or significant portions of Clinton, Potter, McKean, Elk and Tioga counties — the PA Wilds — for two hours per day up to 272 days a year.

Some aircraft would fly as low as 100 feet above the ground.

There are just too many negative impacts.

To name a few:

r Public safety.

r Limited emergency response capability due to virtually no cell service or broadband.

r Meaning that if an accident does occur it may not be possible to immediately call 9-1-1.

r Wildlife impact: Sudden noise, especially if tree-top, may cause deer-wildlife to panic and run across roads risking collisions with cars and trucks that might cause serious injury, as well as vehicle damage.

r Recreational-tourism impact.

The ANG says the proposal would “lower the floor of the existing MOA from 8,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) to 100 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). This flight modification would accommodate the training requirements for our A-10 aircrews who must train by simulating all types of weapons delivery and mission sets which can range from 20,000 feeet MSL to as low as 100 feet AGL.

In terms of its impact on tourism, as one person who already submitted comments states, “The scenic and recreational qualities of this region are strong attractors for visitors and a growing number of professionals who can choose where to live because they work on the Internet. To the degree that these intrusions of low altitude jet fighter fly-overs will create noise disturbance and discourage people from coming here that might diminish our economic opportunity.”

Here’s what the ANG has posted on its web site:

“At this time we are encouraging that members of the public and agencies review the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) that was published for public review. The document includes a discussion of all pertinent information as it relates to the proposed project and anticipated environmental impacts.

“The Air National Guard (ANG) will review any and all comments before making a decision on whether there is sufficient interest in having a public meeting and whether such a meeting would be beneficial or necessary. The public comment period on the Draft EA is currently scheduled to end on 15 December 2021. However, please be advised that NGB has decided to extend the end of the public comment period from 15 December 2021 to 31 December 2021 to allow the public and agencies additional document review time.

“The current charted Duke MOA is located in Northcentral Pennsylvania with a small portion extending past the southern boundary of New York.”

Here is the web site where one can obtain more information:

www.175wg.ang.af.mil/Duke-MOA-Low

Here is the email address to which the public can submit opinions.

ngb.a4.a4a.nepa.comments.org@us.af.mil.

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