Letter from Rear Admiral Crowley, U.S. Coast Guard

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

REAR ADMIRAL JOHN E. CROWLEY, JR. U.S. COAST GUARD

************************ Over the past several weeks, my staff and I have traveled throughout the Great Lakes region to meet with the public concerning the Coast Guard's 34 proposed weapons training areas.

I found these meetings, which coincided with an extended public comment period that closed November 13, to be extremely beneficial.

I extend my sincere thanks to the more than 600 individuals, elected officials and organizational representatives who met with us.

They attended out of passion and a desire to be heard, and they are why our government works.

So, what's next?

More than 950 submissions were entered in the docket as a result of the extended comment period and the nine public meetings.

This underscores the importance of this proposal to the Great Lakes community.

My staff and I will review and consider each submission to render a decision that reflects both the public's concern and the Coast Guard's requirement to be prepared to meet any threat to public safety or security.

As a native son of the region and one who has lived on the lakes, I am well aware the Great Lakes are one of our nation's most precious resources.

Through our cooperative efforts with Canada, the security of that resource is maintained for use by both nations.

As the Commander of Coast Guard forces on the Great Lakes, I'm committed to protecting the lakes, as well as the citizens who use them and the infrastructure which makes our way of life in the region possible.

I remain committed to reach a solution that maintains open communication and transparency with your elected officials and organizational representatives.

Sincerely, John E. Crowley, Jr. Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District ************************