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April 21, 2005

Pentagon OKs Kentucky weapons destruction :

[United Press International] WASHINGTON, April 20 : The Defense Department released funding to destroy 523 tons of chemical weapons at Kentucky's Blue Grass Army Depot after several months of delay.

A department memo dated Friday released the funds that were appropriated to build the facilities required to destroy the weapons caches, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported.

"I think it's for the most part a capitulation," said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has been pressuring the Pentagon to implement its original destruction schedule. The department put a hold on the destruction in December, citing cost concerns.

Defense Department officials said the appropriation is approximately $300 million.