Third District Congressional candidate Robin Smith said she will join Anderson County leaders and the leadership of the Y-12 National Security Complex in welcoming United States Energy Secretary Steven Chu to Oak Ridge today for the dedication of the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility.
The largest construction project at Y-12 in more than 40 years, the HEUMF will serve as a state of the art facility for housing highly enriched uranium that will more securely and effectively store the material while reducing operating costs, she said.
Ms. Smith stated, "This facility is a critical part of the worldwide nonproliferation efforts of our government in the area of nuclear weapons. As nations meet the requirements of the various treaties, a secure facility outside the control of our enemies is vital.
“This is a great day for Anderson County and Oak Ridge. The HEUMF is yet another example of how Tennessee and the Third District are leading the way in scientific advancement. Under the leadership of Y-12 President Darrell Kohlhorst, we can proudly point to this as an example of how innovation can work to improve our economy and our standard of living. Secretary Chu’s visit today affirms the great work Y-12 and the Oak Ridge National Labs are doing.”
She said, “I have been proud to advocate for projects at Y-12 such as the proposed Uranium Storage Facility and will continue to do so as a member of Congress. The HEUMF is a great example of the ability of sound projects to gain support on merits instead of through political payoffs. I look forward to continuing my work with the leadership of Y-12 and ORNL and forging a strong working relationship with Secretary Chu and the Department of Energy.
"The facilities in Anderson County are vital to the Third District and the entire United States. They will have no stronger advocate in Congress.”