Bedford Minuteman
Wednesday, September 3, 2003

Letter: Don't count FedEx out yet

The news that FedEx will not present its plans for operations at Hanscom to the Sept. 16 HFAC (Hanscom Field Advisory Commission) is welcome. But it is not cause for rejoicing.

A letter from FedEx to HFAC states that they are still in the process of considering their options for business in this area and that a presentation to HFAC is premature, however they did not rule out the eventual possibility of starting cargo operations at Hanscom.

Although we can pat ourselves on the back for the monumental effort area residents, local, state and federal officials have been making to send the message that heavy cargo does not belong at Hanscom Field, we cannot stop. Now is the time to redouble our efforts.

ShhAir has made it easy to send instant web letters asking that these cargo operations not begin to FedEx CEO Fred Smith, Senators Kerry and Kennedy, and Governor Romney. Each person in a household can and should send these messages by going to www.shhair.org, clicking on "Action Alerts," and following the easy directions to send the four letters.

The advent of FedEx operations with Airbus cargo planes the size of DC-10's at Hanscom will have dire consequences. And the prospect of 28 18-wheeler truck trips on the Battle Road through the Minute Man National Historic Park is horrific. The beginning of this type of cargo service opens the door for FedEx competitors and there will be nothing we can do to stop them. If we don't act now to stop FedEx, the impact on our towns will be tragic.

Margaret Coppe
President, ShhAir
Barrymeade Drive
Lexington

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