Energy Department Approves Y-12 Construction Plan

The U.S. Energy Department has authorized the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Tennessee to proceed with a $100 million privately financed building plan, the Associated Press reported yesterday (see GSN, July 7).

The proposal still requires congressional approval, according to AP.

Two new buildings, proposed by plant manager BWXT Y-12, would consolidate personnel now working in more than 50 buildings. About 30 of those structures would be demolished to reduce maintenance and utilities costs, according to the plan. 

The new buildings would be privately owned and leased to the government, AP reported. One would house engineering and administrative offices, while the other would contain laboratory space, a visitor center, museum and auditorium.

Congressional review could take up to 60 days, according to AP. If groundbreaking begins this year, construction could be completed by summer or fall 2007. 

“We’re hopeful Congress will get a little proactive on this one,” said plant manager Dennis Ruddy. “We’ve found no reason to believe there would be any resistance from the part of Congress on it, and obviously the entire Tennessee delegation is behind it and understands it” (Associated Press, Sept. 28).

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