The Defense Department will move ahead with plans to neutralize chemical weapons in Pueblo, prompting celebrations from Colorado’s two senators and U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Colo., who had objected to the possibility of transporting them across the state.

In agreeing to move ahead with treating the mustard-agent munitions at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, the Defense Department agreed that transporting the weapons through mountains and neighborhoods is not in the best interest of our communities, Salazar said.

He had feared that if the munitions were to be transported to a chemical depot in Utah, they would be transported though his 3rd Congressional District, which includes western Colorado.

“This is a huge victory for the community and the nation at large,” Salazar said.

Sens. Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar, Republican and Democrat, respectively, said they welcomed the Defense Department’s decision.

“Finally! Common sense has prevailed,” Allard said. “The Department of Defense has finally listened to my concerns and the concerns of the Pueblo community. Now we can focus on getting this project under way.

“This is the right decision, and it is time to move forward with destroying the weapons as soon as possible.”