for immediate release, Thursday,
January 19, 2006
SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT FOR KY CHEM DEMIL FACILITY
OPEN FOR BIDS
Great News for Local Residents
RICHMOND -Bechtel Parsons, the Army
contractor in charge of construction and operation of the chemical weapons
destruction facility at Kentucky's Blue Grass Army Depot, yesterday announced
they are seeking bids on an "earthwork subcontract" for the soon-to-be-constructed
plant.
The scope of work for the subcontract includes, among
other tasks: site clearing; massive earth cut and associated grading; and
construction of a new, two lane asphalt road with connections into existing
roads--sweet words to local residents who are greatly encouraged by the news
of tangible work planned for the near future. Contingent on funding
(which at the moment seems secure and available), ground-breaking for the
facility should begin by the end of April.
"This is very significant for us," commented Craig
Williams, Director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group. "It is exciting
and extremely rewarding for the community, after years of sometimes frustrating
work at ensuring a safe process and adequate funding for destruction of KY's
weapons, to finally see our efforts result in dirt being moved and roads
being built."
Last year, the Pentagon pulled all funding from the
Kentucky project to pay for cost overages at the incinerators, recommending
the Blue Grass site be placed in "caretaker status" for the next five years.
The Chemical Weapons Working Group and other Central Kentucky organizations
worked together with their Congressional delegation, especially Sen. Mitch
McConnell, to get the funding restored that is allowing the site preparation
to begin this Spring.
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Further information on Bechtel-Parsons "Request for Proposals" can
be found at <http://www.bechtelparsonsbgcapp.com/Opportunities.htm>.
