The Obama Administration flexed its muscles against the Eastern Shore, so Representative Scott Rigell flexed right back.
“This is a classic example of an over-reaching, paternalistic federal government imposing its will without regard for the needs, desires, or economic well being of the people,” said Rigell at a Congressional hearing.
At issue is a federal government plan to spend taxpayer money to move parking areas away from tourist areas, causing the community significant economic damage.
Well, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided to try and secure funding for the purchase, even though the public process was still ongoing.
Rigell is having none of it.
“The town, the county, and the Virginia House of Delegates have all adopted resolutions disapproving of any effort to expand the boundaries of the Refuge within the town to establish a Disney-like transit system. It is unacceptable, and today, we’ve suggested that it is unlawful, that the Refuge would continue to pursue a plan that has drawn such deep objections. Moving this project forward undermines the integrity of the public process. The refuge is sending a clear signal that the public process is nothing more than a pro forma exercise with a foregone conclusion.”
The National Environmental Policy Act has pretty strict guidelines. It’s disingenuous, and even unlawful, for the Obama Administration to move forward with funding an option so roundly opposed, while hosting a public process said to only be “reviewing all options.”
President Obama’s minions are on a fast track to destroy the economy of Virginia’s coastal tourism industry and making a mockery of the process designed to protect the public good.
It’s Obama vs. Chincoteague, and Scott Rigell’s fighting for the Shore.
