ST. LOUIS (AP) — A southwestern Illinois county wants more time to challenge a federal spy agency’s preliminary decision to remain in St. Louis rather than relocate.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency wants to build its new western regional headquarters in north St. Louis rather than move to a site near Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that St. Clair County officials are asking members of the Illinois congressional delegation to push the agency to double its 15-day public comment period on that preferred alternative.

When it chose St. Louis the agency cited the urban location’s greater appeal to the more than 3,000 NGA West high-tech workers

A final decision is expected in early June, with project construction set to begin next year and be completed by 2021.

 

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