Anniston Star
June 27, 2003

Incinerator safety plans increase: Grant to cover cost of equipment distribution for those with needs

By Jessica Ravitz
Star Staff Writer
06-27-2003

Calhoun County Commissioners authorized a Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Plan grant of more than $1.6 million Thursday. The grant will fund the distribution of protective equipment to the special needs population around the Anniston Army Depot.

Commissioner Eli Henderson said Centech, the company hired to issue the equipment and train residents in its use, agreed Wednesday to start the distribution Monday or Tuesday and to finish the job within 30 days.

Once this task is completed at the end of July, he said, incineration would begin.

"Today was a momentous occasion," said Henderson, after the meeting. "We need to put this thing behind us and get rid of these weapons."

"But our responsibility all along has been to get the best safety measures put in place to give the public the protection they deserve."

Although Downing is pleased the special-needs population will be served, he said more has to be done. The schools must be pressurized, he said, and the depot must devise a notification system for residents living closest to the incinerator.

In other business, commissioners:

Approved a grant of more than $66,000 from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to fund a probation officer and job training for youth on probation.

Authorized a deed and property transfer to the county landfill.

Committed nearly $12,000 to match Alabama Department of Transportation funds to operate para-transit and public transportation within the urbanized unincorporated areas of the county in 2004.

The next Calhoun County Commission meeting will be 10 a.m. July 10 at the County Administration Building on Noble Street.