Navy will prepare impact statements for 5 landing field sites

Posted to: Military Virginia Beach

Associated Press
© April 9, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C.

The Navy's desire to build a practice landing field for its jet fighters is moving forward.

The Navy said Wednesday it will prepare environmental impact statements for five possible sites for the so-called outlying landing field — three in Virginia and two in North Carolina. The process is expected to take more than two years.

The landing field would be home to an 8,000-foot runway, aircraft traffic control tower and a few other support buildings. Pilots based in Norfolk and Virginia Beach would use the field to practice landing on aircraft carriers.

The Navy has previously met fierce resistance to building the landing field from residents who say the field would ruin a peaceful rural lifestyle.

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