SENATOR COLLINS ENCOURAGES DHS TO CONSIDER LORING AFB AS EMERGENCY LANDING SITE

Washington, DC - Senator Susan Collins is encouraging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to consider using the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone as an emergency cargo aircraft landing site. The proposal had been developed by the Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) and supported by the Loring Development Authority (LDA). At the request of the APP, LDA, and Aroostook County officials, Senator Collins set up a meeting for members to discuss this proposal with DHS officials. The meeting, which took place last Friday, included members of Senator Collins' staff with expertise in aviation security. Senator Collins is the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over DHS.

"The former Loring Air Force Base is strategically positioned and equipped to strengthen our nation's ability to respond, on an emergency basis, to terrorist threats posed by inbound international cargo aircraft," said Senator Collins. "In particular, where we have credible intelligence of a potential and imminent threat, this facility could quickly be put into operation to receive threat aircraft."

Prior to the closure of Loring Air Force Base, it was the closest domestic U.S. military base to Europe. The site, which is now home to the Loring Commerce Center, still has a well-maintained 1,600 acre aviation complex with a 12,100 x 300 foot runway, an active Instrument Landing System, 450,000 square feet of hangar space, and a secure isolated aircraft exclusion area. The airstrip sits under the routes used by most aircraft traveling between the U.S. and Europe and the Middle East.

"The excellent local response capabilities and existing DHS assets in Aroostook County provide additional support for the proposal," said Senator Collins. "I am pleased that DHS has shown an interest in considering this initiative and that officials took the time to visit Loring personally to see for themselves all the aviation security assets that are already in place at the base."

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