I am very much for protecting our country from potential missile attacks from across the Pacific Ocean. I’m also impressed with our country’s technological advances (SBX radar) and other developing capabilities to intercept such invasions. We are a scientifically intelligent nation of which we should all be proud.
However, as a retired taxpayer on a fixed income, I find myself trying to monitor government spending a little closer. After studying the draft environmental impact statement specifics on the proposed SBX radar platform, I feel I must speak out.
According to this government-issued document, this platform would be making five trips a year out to the Pacific Ocean test sites from Everett for training maneuvers in part of the homeland security program. At what cost to the Department of Defense’s budget will this transport come? Doesn’t it make more sense to base this project closer to its bimonthly destination? Wouldn’t the Marshall Islands location be a much more economical site over the difficult-to-reach Port Gardner Bay?
I also have environmental concerns for our fragile Puget Sound ecosystem with such frequent transport of this huge rig. It is stated in the DEIS that it will carry almost a million gallons of diesel fuel.
The costs of this project are tremendous, both financially and economically. Let’s try to convince the powers that be to make sound decisions in all aspects. Don’t we taxpayers have any say about this location? Apparently the city of Everett’s hands are tied because it is a federal government decision. Write to your congressman and the Department of Defense about your concerns. This is a very poor selection site.
Everett
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