Cord Byrd: “the amendment that I offer addresses immediate safety concerns associated with the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory. The…”

“the amendment that I offer addresses immediate safety concerns associated with the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory. The Allegany Ballistics Laboratory is the leading producer of tactical missile propulsion systems and conventional warheads for the Department of Defense, currently producing rocket motors, sensor fuzed weapons, a variety of state-of-the-art missiles, warheads for the Maverick and more. Additionally, the Allegany Ballistics Lab is developing motors and warheads for the next generation of smart precision guided weapons. Of great concern to me are the many significant safety violations, due to the age of the facility. Originally acquired by the Army in 1941, the Navy was given custody of the site in 1945. In fiscal year 1994, the Naval Sea Systems Command [NAVSEA] requested restoration of the 50-year-old plant over a 5-year period. Now, in what would be its third year of restoration, the plant lacks programmed funding for the ongoing restoration plan. This year's programmed restoration costs would be $38.5 million, of which the Senate Appropriations Committee has provided $30 million. Due to an unfortunate oversight during the Armed Services Committee preparation of this bill, the authorization bill does not include language supporting the safety upgrades at this facility.”