Source: The Associated Press
On January 3, 2003 The Associated Press reported that "the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will review public comments before deciding whether to move forward with plans to lease land for a proposed Muslim Youth Camp. The deadline for public comment on the project was Thursday and most of the letters and e-mails the corps of engineers received about the camp voiced opposition to the plan. The land, about 106 acres, is about two miles northeast of North Liberty near Coralville Lake and is managed by the corps. The property served for decades as a summer retreat for Girl Scouts but has been vacant since a 1990 fire destroyed the camp's rustic lodge. The road to the property also serves private homes. Most of the people who wrote letters in opposition to the camp are worried about noise, traffic, waste water, wells and zoning, said Karen Hagerty, corps of engineers project manager. Others responding to the report said they do not want Muslims meeting in their back yards, she said."