County commissioners renew concerns over proposed military flight zone revisions

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Stating at this point there are more questions than answers, the Clinton County Commissioners have again voiced their concern over a Maryland National Guard proposal to greatly increase the number of training flights and lower their altitude over north-central Pennsylvania.

The commissioners heard opposition from three people in attendance at their voting meeting Thursday and said many more had emailed their concern. Commissioner Jeff Snyder said several times there are more questions than answers, then posed his own to the Maryland Air National Guard: “Why not just stay in Maryland?” with the flights.

Commissioner Angela Harding said the county wants a detailed environmental impact study as part of the process. She noted the greatest impact from the proposal would be over the northwestern portion of Clinton County and said she did not want to see proposed developments there affected by the flight proposal. Snyder said the proposal would impact “the way of life” of the county’s rural constituents and said it could adversely affect hunting in the county, impacting those who maintain camps.

Snyder urged county residents to express their views now, “don’t wait til it’s too late.” All three commissioners said they wholeheartedly support the military but they want an opportunity to discuss their concerns with the responsible party. Snyder said information received so far indicates the military flights could be held anywhere from 170 to 270 days a year and at altitudes as low as 100 feet. Presently any training exercises have to stay at 10,000 feet or above.