Associated Press Published

Dozens Argue for Future of Observatory in West Virginia

The Green Bank Telescope at Green Bank Observatory

The National Science Foundation heard public comments as part of a process to consider changes to the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia.

The Register-Herald reports nearly 50 people outlined their reasoning Thursday for why the Pocahontas County facility should stay in operation as it is.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement highlights five possibilities for the facility. They range from the foundation seeking collaboration with interested parties that would share costs, to demolition of the site. The foundation’s representatives named the collaboration option as its preferred alternative, but said all avenues must be explored.

A statement from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin highlighted the scientific accomplishments of the observatory. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s statement emphasized its impact on the community.

The study of public comments will be completed in January.