01:00 AM EDT on Friday, July 21, 2006

The Journal's editorial page obviously supports the controversial construction of the proposed Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound, but it stretches credibility when it suggests (June 29) that the project dodged the bullet in a recent congressional amendment.

While it is true that an earlier amendment supported by Sen. Edward Kennedy to give the governor of Massachusetts veto power over the project failed, what has taken its place is every bit a bullet. The Coast Guard now has the authority to reject this project, on the basis of its threat to navigational safety in Nantucket Sound.

This is a project that is within 60 seconds of a collision with an errant ferry or other large vessel, because of its proximity to the main shipping channel and two ferry routes. The 130 massive steel towers and the accompanying 10-story transformer substation are clearly obstructions to navigation, and make an already perilous journey through the Sound an accident waiting to happen.

Perhaps the Cape Wind people did dodge a bullet, but they should be careful about what they wish for, because there is another bullet in the chamber, which may prove equally deadly to this high-risk project.

CHARLES VINICK

Hyannis

The writer is president and chief executive officer of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound.