WASHINGTON, D.C. - Admiral James Syring, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, today informed U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, that a site in Western Maine is under consideration as a potential East Coast missile defense site if one is built.
In a letter to Senator Collins, Admiral Syring stated that federally owned land at the Navy's Remote Training Site in Rangeley is one of five sites on the East Coast "under serious consideration" as a potential interceptor site. The site of the former Loring Air Force base in Limestone had also previously been in contention.
"I know that it will come as a great disappointment to the people of central Aroostook County that the MDA has decided that Limestone will not be included as one of five sites it will continue to evaluate for a potential East Coast interceptor site," said Senator Collins. "The Limestone site received significant support from the Loring Development Authority and the local community."
"However, as he has testified in the past, Admiral Syring told me that an additional radar is an equally important component for missile defense, and that Limestone might well be a good location for such a radar site. If an additional radar on the East Coast were funded next year or beyond, I would urge that Limestone be strongly considered because of its strategically important location."
"In the meantime, I'm told that MDA officials will explore the potential of the Western Maine site, and I look forward to working to connect them with the citizens of Franklin County."
Admiral Syring's letter to Senator Collins can be read by clicking here.