Blackstone Not On Navy's OLF List

RICHMOND – Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter today announced a narrowed list of three Virginia and two North Carolina sites that the Navy will consider for the location of an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) for Naval Air Station Oceana. The Virginia sites are in Southampton, Surry, and Sussex counties. The North Carolina sites are in Gates County and in Camden County. According to the Navy, the Virginia and North Carolina sites will now be evaluated in a 24-30 month Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process, which involves public hearings and additional analysis of the suitability of the locations for an OLF.

Blackstone in Nottoway County was not on the final list. Blackstone town officials and others had opposed the OLF coming to nearby Fort Pickett.

Governor Timothy M. Kaine, in response to the Navy’s announcement, stated:

“The Commonwealth is committed to assisting Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties, the United States Navy, and our Congressional Delegation as efforts to locate a suitable Outlying Landing Field site continue. I recognize that this is an issue that causes great concern among many in the potentially affected localities. I also recognize that it is critically important that the Navy identify a new Outlying Landing Field to meet the training needs of its personnel in the 21st Century.

“My staff and I will work closely with all of the parties potentially affected by this process to ensure that it moves forward in a deliberative and open manner, that all concerns are heard, and that all opportunities for additional economic incentive for our communities are fully explored.”