The top Vermont National Guard official working to bring the F-35 fighter plane to the state says the Air Force will judge five broad criteria in deciding where to base the airplane.
Brig. Gen. Dick Harris met with reporters at Camp Johnson in Colchester Thursday to outline the process that will be used before the secretary of the Air Force decides later this year whether to base the next generation F-35 at the Burlington International Airport.
Harris says the categories are cost, capacity, mission, environment and military judgment.
The proposal is opposed by some who feel the plane is too loud, would depress property values and threaten human health.
Burlington is the Air Force's preferred National Guard base, but a decision won't be made until fall.
