Oak Ridge Nuclear Plant Protection

Thompson Praises $25 Million in Security Funding for Y-12 in Terrorism Supplemental

WASHINGTON ? U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) today praised the inclusion of $25.1 million for security improvements at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge in the Fiscal Year 2002 terrorism supplemental conference report.
"Strengthening security at our nuclear weapons facilities is a critical element of our homeland security," Senator Thompson said. "These sites are well protected, but we must be sure that they are fully equipped to deal with all of the threats we face."
The funding approved by the conference committee can be used for security upgrades such as additional physical barriers, increased force protection, and the consolidation of nuclear materials, among other things.
"This additional funding will cover the improvements that Y-12 has already made in the wake of the September 11 attacks, and will enable them to continue working to make the plant more secure," Thompson continued. "I applaud the appropriators for responding to our request."
The conference report was approved by the conference committee today, and is expected to be considered by the full House and Senate in the near future.

http://web.archive.org/web/20021027032635/thompson.senate.gov/press/2002/releases/pr071802.html