Congressman Salazar Invites DOD to Meet Directly with Constituents Affected by Delay of Pueblo Chemical Depot Project

PUEBLO, CO — Congressman John Salazar (CO-3) today invited Michael Wynne, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology at the Department of Defense (DOD) to meet with the people most affected by the decision to delay the destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile in Pueblo.

"I am confident that after meeting with the local community, DOD will reach the same conclusion I have - that we must move ahead with the facility's construction and remain on schedule with destroying the chemical weapons stockpile in Pueblo," said Salazar. "It is not only an issue of jobs, but a matter of our community's safety and our nation's homeland security."

The full text of the letter follows:

January 17, 2005

The Honorable Michael Wynne
Acting Undersecretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Technology
3010 Defense Pentagon 
Washington, DC 20301-1000
 
Dear Undersecretary Wynne:

I write to express my grave concern over reports that the Pentagon plans to delay construction of the Pueblo Chemical Depot Project until 2011.  I urge you to ensure that destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile in Pueblo, Colorado remains a top priority and to allow the plant’s construction to continue as scheduled.

Over the past week, I have met with constituents throughout the Third District of Colorado and they are worried about their safety and security.  Moreover, they have expressed concern that DOD plans to delay the stockpile’s scheduled destruction.  Further delay makes the arsenal a continued security and environmental risk for the region. 

I have been informed by the Pueblo County Commissioners and the Citizens Advisory Commission that a letter was sent on November 9th, 2004, inviting you to meet with the community most affected.  I understand their request was not accommodated. 

As the U.S. Representative for this region, I invite you to Pueblo to participate in a town hall meeting that I will organize and facilitate.  During this event, I ask that you update the community on the Pueblo Chemical Depot Project as well as answer questions from the Citizens Advisory Commission and local residents. 

We will work to accommodate your schedule however, timing is of the essence.  My staff will contact your office this week to identify potential dates.  In the meantime, should you have any questions, you may contact me at 202-225-4761.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John Salazar
Member of Congress