Washington, D.C. -  Congressman David Price (NC-04) released the following statement today in response to the Navy’s Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding its plans for an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in northeastern North Carolina.

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“The Navy's effort to locate a site for the proposed OLF has raised as many questions as it has answered. While North Carolinians are uniquely committed to offering a good and supportive home for our military, the Navy has failed to demonstrate its willingness to work with the communities in our state to protect our interests and concerns.

“The SEIS will require extensive review by the North Carolina delegation, the Congress, and the courts. However, my initial impression is one of disappointment. The Navy has apparently continued to brush off numerous concerns about the damage that its chosen location could do to North Carolina's Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, and continues to downplay the severe risk the birds native to the area could pose to Navy and Marine Corps aircraft using the OLF. The bottom line is that a site which could put the lives of Navy and Marine pilots at risk is unacceptable.

“I will be working with my colleagues to ensure that Congress carefully scrutinizes this proposal and the risks it may hold for our sailors and Marines and for the state of North Carolina. I have yet to be convinced that the Navy is willing to work in good faith with the State on its OLF site selection process."