Congressman Salazar Responds to DOD's Latest Letter on Chemical Depot

"The Department of Defense would have been the largest employer in the area. Pueblo county residents have been good stewards for more than a decade, accepting the risks of deteriorating chemical weapons because of the promise of more than 1000 new jobs.

"I am disappointed that the Department of Defense has not met with Pueblo residents. When we first heard through news reports that the funding for the Depot would be eliminated, I invited the DOD to come and meet with the people they were affecting with their decision. I am ready and waiting to facilitate the meeting at any time.

"The work is already in progress and more than $15 million a year has been spent. A process was in place that all parties agreed to and we must finish out what was started.

"This latest letter leaves Pueblo residents in limbo - Pueblo residents are the ones who have sacrificed and the DOD should keep its commitment to them."