Pueblo Chemical Depot May Receive More Money

Posted: May 30, 2009 07:58 PM

PUEBLO - Senator Mark Udall visited the Steel City Saturday to get a rare look inside the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

Udall said at times there hasn't been enough money dedicated in the past to the Weapons Destruction Program, but he's hopeful that will soon change.

The United States agreed, along with several other civilized countries in the world to destroy their chemical stockpile by the year 2017. A large part of the weapons destruction will take place at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.

Udall says there is a strong push in Washington for the destruction to be completed by 2017, but the dollars have not been forthcoming at times. The good news is that the program should receive another $250 Million more than what was anticipated in next years budget for the program. Half of that money would go to the Pueblo Chemical Depot and would mean a big boost for the local economy.

"Were going to do the work here in Pueblo at this important cutting edge facility, that means good paying jobs for the citizens of Pueblo and Southeast Colorado," said Sen. Udall.

Udall says the extra money will represent a commitment to the program and will ensure the United States will hold up their end of the International agreement to complete the weapons destruction by 2017.
Congress still must approve the administrations request for the money, but Udall says he's confident it will come