Feb 09, 2007 - 03:57:17 CST
Associated Press Writer
By DALE WETZELBy DALE WETZEL
Pleas by historic preservationists failed to persuade the North Dakota House to endorse spending $250,000 to preserve a former nuclear missile silo as a potential tourist attraction.
However, it took speeches by Rep. Rick Berg, R-Fargo, the House majority leader, and Rep. Ken Svedjan, R-Grand Forks, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to defeat the idea, which came up two votes short of approval.
"The Cold War is gone, but we need to remember it ... and what it involved," said Rep. Phillip Mueller, D-Valley City. "Those who come after us need to remember this phase of our nation's history."
The silo, about two miles east of Cooperstown, and a launch center were formerly part of the 321st Missile Wing of the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Its 150 missiles, which were scattered over 7,500 square miles, were removed, and the silos and launch centers mostly destroyed or dismantled.
Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, said the Air Force has told local officials they have until year's end to decide whether they want the remaining silo and launch center.
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