Controversial Coast Guard plan gets hearing in Duluth
People in Duluth are gearing up for what looks to be a heated public meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard on Monday.
Since January, the Coast Guard has conducted periodic training exercises on the Great Lakes to prepare for law enforcement and homeland security missions. The exercises have included live machine gun fire, and now the Coast Guard wants to establish permanent training zones on the lakes.
Many people, including the mayors of Chicago and Toronto, are voicing environmental and safety concerns over the Coast Guard's plan.
The meeting Monday in Duluth is the first in a series of gatherings where the public can weigh in on the issue. It's the only meeting scheduled to be held in Minnesota.
Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson is planning to testify against the Coast Guard's plan. He spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.
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