The public has a chance to give comment and hear from elected officials, Monday, regarding the imminent closure of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Facility in Newport. The closure would remove the rescue helicopter stationed there. Air rescue efforts would be directed to stations in Astoria or North Bend; both are about an hour flight away from Newport. Friday, it was announced Rear Admiral Richard Gromlich will be attending Monday’s meeting. Newport Mayor Sandra Roumagoux says the community has been torn apart from the announcement especially with crab season just around the corner.
Roumagoux: “And that’s one of the most dangerous fisheries there is. And negotiations I hope are not dead in the water, to say a terrible pun. But that’s where it is, it’s tenuous, people are upset, it’s not a pleasant… I’m not looking forward to that meeting; I think people are going to be very upset.”
The meeting is 5:30 P.M., Monday, at the Oregon Coast Community College Commons in Newport. Written testimony should be submitted by October 24th to be included in the meeting minutes.
