“We are disappointed at the brief comment period and that only one public meeting will be conducted in North Carolina.  Before the federal government prohibits access to lands owned by the taxpayers, we believe it is important that all voices be heard on the proposed legislation,” the two Representatives wrote.

 “In order to gain more public involvement, we urge you to conduct more open hearings in North Carolina and provide for an extension of the 60-day comment period.  This will allow all impacted individuals full opportunity to study the issue and determine what is best for their neighborhoods,” they wrote. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled only one public hearing, set for July 17 in Wilmington.  In addition, the comment period is only 60 days, which will expire on September 6 of this year.