War cost likely won't halt burning at depot

This story was published Thu, Apr 17, 2003

By Mary Hopkin
Herald staff writer

IRRIGON -- The cost of the war in Iraq likely will not cut money being set aside to destroy the U.S. stockpile of chemical weapons.

Michael Parker, director of the Chemical Materials Agency, said Congress recognizes the urgency to destroy American stockpiles, including the 3,717 tons of chemical agents stored at the Umatilla Chemical Depot.

Parker's agency oversees the Chemical Stockpile Demilitarization program at its eight U.S. sites, including Umatilla. He spoke Wednesday to the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Plan's governing board.

Morrow County Commissioner John Wenholz was concerned the heavy cost of the war will leave the Army strapped for cash.

But Parker said, "Congress has supported the program and knows the only way to eliminate the risk is to get rid of (the weapons). I believe the program will continue to be supported by Congress to get the job done in a timely manner."

However, money from the Federal Emergency Management Administration won't be as forthcoming.

The agency, which provides money to prepare and protect the communities surrounding the stockpile sites, says money shortfalls for the entire program could reach $158 million.

Dan Civis, chief of FEMA Region No. 10, said 82 percent of the shortfall is directly related to the Anniston (Ala.) Chemical Depot, which estimates it will need $693 million to protect its community through 2014.

During the same time period, Oregon estimates it will need about $72 million in FEMA money, and Washington state has asked for more than $50 million.

Civis said local CSEPP boards need to prepare by reviewing and refining the state and local requirements and identifying where budget cuts can safely be made.

"The public must be protected until the stockpile is destroyed," he said.

As for Alabama, there is progress being made, he added.

"Politics is starting to take a back door to emergency preparedness in Alabama," he said. "The next step is to develop a reasonable plan so it can be brought back into reality."

 

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