KINSTON -- A proposal to fill 871 acres of wetlands for expansion of the Kinston Regional Jetport has been scheduled for a 7 p.m. public hearing Jan. 27, 1998 at Lenoir Community College.

The Division of Water Quality is currently reviewing the Global Transpark Authority's application for an individual 401 certification to allow the wetlands fill. In exchange for the lost acreage, the Authority proposes to mitigate 1,520 acres of wetlands and uplands on site and another 3,100 acres at Dover Bay in Craven County.

DWQ staff will provide information on the application package and accept public comment at the hearing in the college auditorium.

Written comments will also be accepted and can be sent to the Division of Water Quality, Environmental Sciences Branch, Attention: John Dorney, 4401 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Deadline for written comments is Feb. 27, 1997. Comments can also be faxed to DWQ at (919) 733-9959.

A copy of the Authority's application is on file at the division's Washington Regional Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, Washington, NC 27889; telephone, (919) 946-6481. The application can be reviewed during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

In September, the Division of Coastal Management authorized initial development of the Global Transpark project contingent upon the 401 certification being granted and conditions of the impending Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy being met.

For information on the 401 certification contact John Dorney, supervisor of the water quality certification program for nondischarge, Environmental Sciences Branch, DWQ, (919) 733-1786.

Date Posted: January 27