[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 39 (Thursday, March 2, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PENTAGON MAKES PEACE WITH MORGAN COUNTY, WV; MILITARY FLIGHTS RESUMED

  (Mr. WISE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to announce that as of 10 
a.m. this morning the skies over Morgan County, WV, are now open to 
Federal flights. Members may remember that after helping in the cleanup 
2 years ago of a tragic military crash, the Morgan County Commission 
asked the Pentagon to reimburse it by almost $11,000.
  After 2 years of being turned down, this small rural county passed a 
resolution banning military overflights. But peace is here. As I speak, 
in a ceremony in Martinsburg, Gen. Joseph Skaff is presenting a check 
for full payment. Following that, he will board a C-130 to resume 
regular flights over Morgan County.
  Mr. Speaker, many worked hard for this day--General Skaff, Colonel 
Lloyd, the 167th in Martinsburg, and Lt. Col. Marcia Bachman. They all 
deserve special credit for breaking the impasse. Morgan County 
officials have shown consistent firmness and respect, and I appreciate 
the efforts of Members of Congress like the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
[Mr. Murtha], who assisted me.
  Rest assured, Mr. Speaker, when Members board a plane to head home 
this weekend, as they bank over Berkeley Springs and Paw Paw, they will 
once again fly the friendly skies of Morgan County.

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