BARCO, N.C. (AP) -- Camden and Currituck counties are on the record opposing the Navy's outlying landing field.

“We support the Navy, but we do not want the OLF in Camden County,” said Gene Gregory, vice chairman of the Currituck County Board of Commissioners in an e-mail Monday. “This airfield would devastate the agricultural industry, economy and quality of life of the county.”

That comes as the Navy holds its first of seven informal meetings to get public input on potential sites for a landing field where fighter pilots can practice night landings.

Video: Navy OLF planning meetings announced

Larger screen

The Navy's first meeting is Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Center at 120 Community Way in Barco. Attendees will fill out comment cards and speak one-on-one with Navy representatives.

Curritick officials cite information in the Federal Register on April 9, 2008 describing the facilities at the OLF site as an 8,000 foot runway, aircraft traffic control tower and other support buildings. For purposes of analysis, an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 acre area is being considered for each site location alternative.

The Navy is preparing environmental assessments on two sites in North Carolina and three in Virginia. It will hold formal public hearings after a draft environmental impact statement is published, likely in mid-2009.

In January, the Navy said it would not build a landing field near a wildlife reserve in eastern North Carolina. Residents, environmentalists and state officials had opposed that site.

In May, the counties’ boards plan to hold a public meeting to address concerns of the OLF.

Remaining OLF public scoping meetings:

April 29, 2008: Prince George Co., Va., J.E.J. Moore Middle School, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
April 30, 2008: Sussex County, Va., Sussex Central H.S., 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
May 1, 2008: Southampton County, Va., Southampton H.S., 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
May 2, 2008: Gates County, NC, Gates County H.S., 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
May 5, 2008: Camden County, NC, Camden County H.S., 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
May 7, 2008: Surry County, Va., Surry County High School, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)