This spring marked the startup of chemical weapon disposal at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County. Local community members remain committed to making plans for life after mustard and nerve agent destruction.
Just under one percent of the 523 ton stockpile of chemical munitions has been destroyed since early June. The entire job is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. An economic impact working group is studying ways to lessen any job losses come 2024. Two community advisory groups got an update on the disposal process last week.
Responding to a question about future recruitment of industry, Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board Co-Chair Craig Williams said the focus will be on environmental friendly firms.
“It’s been mentioned probably at every meeting that we’re not going to be trading off our environment and our public’s health for the sake of jobs,” Williams assured members.
Madison County Judge Executive Reagan Taylor sits on a community advisory panel. He said federal support seen in many tangible ways will come to an end in about four years. “Whether that be supplying fire trucks for to help make sure out community is safe, whether it’s provided some help through school buses and some things like that. But, those things are going to go away and those monies are going to go away,” said Taylor
Taylor suggested a public relations campaign be mounted to educate the community about the eventual loss of federally funded services.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
