Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Dept. of Energy stimulus funding for Hanford

For Immediate Release: March 31, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement today on U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu�s announcement that Hanford will receive nearly $2 billion to accelerate clean up work:

�This investment is great news for the Tri-Cities community and the state of Washington. Not only will this funding create jobs for the mid-Columbia area, it accelerates the cleanup of the most dangerous contaminated site in the nation. In addition, it will help protect the health, safety and economic security of those who live and work in the community.

�I am very appreciative of the Department of Energy�s investment. This funding takes a major step toward addressing waste sites, contaminated groundwater and infrastructure improvements. However, it still doesn�t resolve the state�s recent lawsuit filed against the Department of Energy. I am committed to negotiating with the federal government an enforceable cleanup agreement. Without one, the cleanup will extend into the next century and will cost us billions of dollars more.

�I applaud the efforts of Secretary Chu and the Obama administration to invest in the infrastructure and cleanup of these hazardous materials. And I want to thank Senator Patty Murray for her hard work in securing this funding. Our state will quickly put the money to work to create jobs and protect our environment.�