WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 - Search Continues for New Federal Training Facility

Search Continues for New Federal Training Facility

GALENA, Md.- Three counties on the Mid-Shore are waiting to see where the federal government will choose an alternative site for the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center. The FASTC would be used to train diplomats.

The government had chosen the town of Ruthsburg in Queen Anne's County as a preferred site for the project. Those plans were nixed last month after the facility was met with opposition from some residents over noise and environmental concerns.

Kent, Caroline and Dorchester counties have now expressed interest in offering a sight for the facility. Dorchester and Kent counties have submitted pieces of land that would be able to accommodate the project.

Many people say the facility would bring jobs to the area and money, which are beneficial in the ailing economy. Government officials say between 850 and 1,000 part-time and full-time jobs would come with the facility. However, there are those who feel the facility would impact the environment and does not have a place on the Eastern Shore.

Other counties in Maryland, as well as other states in the region, have shown interest in the facility. The government has not yet set a date on when it will announce its choice of a new location.