Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 September 14, 2001 f

Maine feels tragic aftermath
NICHOLAS J. LOVECCHIO
Editor in Chief

Tuesday's terror attacks have brought attention to Maine and even Brunswick.

Governor Angus King responded immediately Tuesday by shutting down most state government offices and increasing security throughout the state.

"I do not believe that we are in any danger here in Maine," King said, "but it's essential to be prepared for any and every possible circumstance."

Later security efforts intensified as evidence showed that suspects spent time in the state just before the attacks.

At least two suspected terrorists flew to Boston from the Portland International Jetport; two others are thought to have driven from Portland to Boston. Investigators believe the terrorists stayed at the Comfort Inn across from the Maine Mall in South Portland on Monday night.

The FBI seized one car that had been parked at the Portland Jetport and had been rented in Boston.

Some have speculated that these terrorists entered Maine by crossing the U.S./Canada border, possibly taking a ferry from Nova Scotia. Investigations continue in Bangor, but efforts have focused more in Portland.

The Jetport re-opened yesterday evening, though with heavily increased security. Police stationed on the access roads have been ordered to stop and check all vehicles entering the jetport. Seven police officers, as opposed to the normal three, are stationed inside the terminal at all times.

Temporary curbside parking is now prohibited, and, per FAA mandate, no one is allowed to park within 300 feet of the terminal until further notice. Instead, people must park at a shuttle lot on Congress Street.

Bangor International Airport also re-opened yesterday.

In Brunswick, the Brunswick Naval Air Station has heightened its security and remains under Threat Condition Delta, the highest level of security in the military.

Since Tuesday, the Air Station has conducted searches on all cars entering the base, leading to major congestion in Cook's Corner during high-traffic times.
The air station has also cancelled its annual Great State of Maine Air Show, originally to be held September 22 and 23, which has typically drawn between 160,000 and 200,000 visitors.

"Given the security posture of our military bases and the unknown agenda of those who wish to do harm, it would not be prudent for us to hold our air show this year," said Commanding Officer Captain Keith Koon, in a statement posted on the station's website.

"These are difficult times for our nation and our Navy," he said, "and NAS Brunswick must continue to be 100 percent operationally ready to fulfill its mission for our nation's security. Regrettably, an air show would interfere with that mission."

Bath Iron Works, one of the U.S. government's leading suppliers of war ships, closed down Tuesday as a precautionary measure. It reopened Wednesday, but has instated many security precautions.

Under order from the U.S. Coast Guard, the mouth of the Kennebec River (the river on which the BIW is located) has been closed to all boat traffic. The river has been patrolled by Bath police.