for more information contact:
Craig Williams 859-986-7565
859-302-1103

for immediate release Tuesday 7 July 2009

SENATE COMMITTEE INCREASES KENTUCKY CHEMICAL WEAPONS
DISPOSAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET BY $5 MILLION FOR 2010

At the request of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee increased the 2010 budget for construction funds specifically for the Kentucky chemical weapons disposal project by $5 million dollars. This action brings the total for the projects at both the Kentucky and Colorado locations to $552,816,000 for the 2010 fiscal year, if final approval is obtained,

This increase was $5 million over what the House authorized on 18 June, and this Senate Bill now goes to the floor.

The House and Senate versions still have to be reconciled and voted on by both Chambers and then sent to the President for final approval and signature.

Led by Kentucky McConnell and Representative Ben Chandler (D-KY), there has been concerted effort to increase funding to allow acceleration of the demilitarization project in Kentucky.

Similar efforts have been undertaken by Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) and Representative John Salazer (D-CO) regarding the disposal project in Pueblo, Colorado. 

Last month, the Kentucky Citizens Advisory Board was told that increased funding over the long haul would cut 6 years off the completion date, from 2027 to 2021 and possibly more depending on the steadiness of funding, construction rates and other considerations.

A recent Pentagon report to Congress showed the accelerated completion date in Colorado shortened from 2020 to 2017.

Board co-chair Craig Williams said, "This latest increase is further proof that the Congress understands the need to provide adequate funding for this project. It is particularly encouraging in these tight financial times to see this program getting the attention and dollars it deserves."

In 2005, the Kentucky chemical weapons stockpile was placed on "caretaker status" with only $33 million being requested by the Pentagon for it and Colorado - enough to secure the munitions, but virtually nothing for disposal efforts.

Williams stated, "Sen. McConnell's continued leadership has been responsible for turning that 'do nothing' mentality around at the Pentagon and has moved this issue to the forefront in the relevant Committees in Congress."

The $552 million total for 2010, if it is approved, will be the largest amount of funds in any fiscal year dedicated to disposing of the chemical weapons in Kentucky and Colorado.

--30--