Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron
Date: October 8, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY APPOINTS STATE REP. WAINWRIGHT TO OLF STUDY GROUP House Speaker Pro Tempore Brings Broad Experience And Knowledge To Panel
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley announced today he has appointed state Rep. William Wainwright (D, Craven, Lenoir) to his Outlying Landing Field Study Group to examine the strategic, economic and environmental aspects of finding sites that meet the U.S. Navy’s training needs, protect the environment, not threaten wildlife and respect the concerns of local communities and property owners. The study group was reactivated last month.
“I am pleased to appoint Rep. Wainwright to the study group and welcome his willingness to serve,” said Easley. “His experience and knowledge will help make sure the concerns and interests of the communities, businesses and environmental groups near the Navy’s potential OLF sites are heard.”
Wainwright is from Havelock and is serving his ninth term in the state House of Representatives. He is Speaker Pro Tempore and serves as a co-chairman of the House Finance Committee, vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and serves on the Appropriations, Health and Insurance committees. His district also includes key military installations.
Last month, after much discussion and negotiation, the Navy agreed to reopen consideration of information about possible alternative sites. The study group is reviewing all aspects of the OLF situation as it stands today, along with assisting the Navy’s effort to gather input from regulatory agencies, advocacy organizations, local governments and citizens on potential sites in North Carolina for aircraft carrier pilot training. Following its study, the group will report to the governor and to the North Carolina Congressional delegation.
The next meeting of the OLF Study Group is a public hearing set for Tuesday, October 23 in Elizabeth City. The time and location will be announced soon. The other meeting is set for Thursday, November 1 at 10:00 a.m. in Raleigh to discuss the economic impact of an OLF. The meeting will be in the ABC Commission Room of the Administration Building, 116 W. Jones St., Raleigh.
Other members of the study group are: Retired Court of Appeals Judge Sid Eagles, chairman; State Sen. Ed Jones (D-Bertie, Chowan, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton, Perquimans); state Rep. Bill Owens (D-Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Tyrrell); Bryan Beatty, Crime Control and Public Safety secretary; Bill Ross, Environment and Natural Resources secretary; Jim Fain, Commerce secretary;