FORT DRUM — With the 2013 defense authorization bill calling for the Department of Defense to research sites to place interceptor missiles on the East Coast, Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has written Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to lobby for their placement on the post.

Mr. Owens noted in his letter, sent Friday, that the post has been able to host a wide range of missions and capabilities, and that if the department could determine it would not interfere with current activities, Fort Drum would be a suitable place for the missiles.

In the past, Mr. Owens has said his support for the project would depend on whether such a placement would affect ongoing operations.

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