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

for immediate release Friday 31 July 2009

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPROVES DEFENSE BILL INCLUDING
KENTUCKY AND COLORADO CHEMICAL WEAPONS DISPOSAL PROJECTS

Ben Chandler Gets House Bill to Fully Fund the Demilitarization Projects in Fiscal Year 2010  

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill which included funds to accelerate the disposal of the chemical weapons stored at Kentucky's Blue Grass Army Depot and Colorado's Pueblo Depot Activity.

The House Bill matched the Pentagon's request for increased funds in 2010 for the destruction projects at these two sites.

Historically this program--the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program (ACWA)--has been woefully under-funded resulting in a reduced capability to destroy the weapons.

Representative Ben Chandler (D-KY 6th), has led the effort in the House to stabilize the funding for the disposal program and this vote was a major step in accomplishing that objective.

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.

Citizens Advisory Board co-chair Craig Williams said, "With Representative Chandler's diligence and leadership we are closer to getting the level of support we need here in Kentucky and in Colorado to move forward aggressively."

Representative Chandler said, "I am so pleased that the House fulfilled the president's request and was able to give the Blue Grass Army Depot the resources it needs to destroy these weapons in a safe, timely way for our Central Kentucky communities."

Williams added, "I've noticed a very positive improvement in the morale of the ACWA team and the contractors in light of the sustained movement towards adequate monies being put toward this project. It's difficult to maintain a positive attitude when you're given significantly less than the amount of resources necessary to execute the program. That is turning around and that's good for the community."

Madison County Judge Executive, Kent Clark said,"Representative Chandler is to be commended for his efforts and, with Senator McConnell achieving the same objectives in the Senate, we are feeling pretty good right now."

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