The Pine Bluff Arsenal plays an essential role in keeping soldiers alive and safe.   The Pine Bluff Arsenal has been tasked with disposing of the second largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the country, and has an ongoing mission to destroy munitions across America as they are found.  The Arsenal is the only facility outside of Israel in the free world that makes White Phosphorous -- a flammable chemical used in times of combat to create a white wall of smoke that allows soldiers to enter and exit a dangerous situation without being seen.  Additionally, more than 5,000 first-responders across the nation have been trained at the Pine Bluff Arsenal to respond to biological and chemical attacks.  

"This recommendation is proof that the federal investments we’ve made over the years in the Pine Bluff Arsenal have paid off," Lincoln said. "Through its strong record of reliability and proven safety record, the Pine Bluff Arsenal has demonstrated it value to our nation’s defense. We as Arkansans owe the hard working men and women of the Pine Bluff Arsenal a great deal of gratitude for their service and I’m proud that their hard work has been commended today in this BRAC Report."

"With 12 percent of our nation's chemical weapons and the country's only White Phosphorous facility the Pine Bluff Arsenal remains a strong installation that plays a critical role in our overall national defense strategy," said Pryor. "I am pleased that the work we have done over the past few years, including securing $24.3 million in new funding for facility upgrades and new equipment at the White Phosphorous Facility and securing millions more for ammunition production, has paid off and that the Arsenal will continue to be a valued member of the Pine Bluff Community." 

“Today is a great day for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the hard working families in Pine Bluff, White Hall, and Southeast Arkansas,” said Ross.  “The fact that the Pine Bluff Arsenal was not on the list handed down from the Pentagon sends a very strong message that the multiple missions provided by the Pine Bluff Arsenal will continue for the years to come.  Additionally, the Pine Bluff Arsenal has been designated as multi functional munitions center of excellence.  While the Stone United States Army Reserve Center will be closed in Pine Bluff, it has been recommended that a new Armed Forces Reserve Center will be built at the Pine Bluff Arsenal.  Today’s report indicates a bright and positive future for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and those who work there.” 

Based on the BRAC’s report released today, the state of Arkansas as a whole stands to have a net gain in jobs.  These jobs relate to a strengthening of the Little Rock Air Force Base’s mission, which would add approximately 3,898 jobs.