07/15/2013
The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) — a
subject of fascination for many hams and the target of conspiracy
theorists and anti-government activists — has closed down. HAARP’s
program manager, Dr James Keeney at Kirtland Air Force Base in New
Mexico, told ARRL that the sprawling 35-acre ionospheric research
facility in remote Gakona, Alaska, has been shuttered since early May.
“Currently the site is abandoned,” he said. “It comes down to money.
We don’t have any.” Keeney said no one is on site, access roads are
blocked, buildings are chained and the power turned off. HAARP’s website
through the University of Alaska no longer is available; Keeney said
the program can’t afford to pay for the service. “Everything is in
secure mode,” he said, adding that it will stay that way at least for
another 4 to 6 weeks. In the meantime a new prime contractor will be
coming on board to run the government owned-contractor operated (GOCO)
facility.
HAARP put the world on notice two years ago that it would be shutting
down and did not submit a budget request for FY 15, Keeney said, “but
no one paid any attention.” Now, he says, they’re complaining. “People
came unglued,” Keeney said, noting that he’s already had inquiries from
Congress. Universities that depended upon HAARP research grants also are
upset, he said....
