Press Releases

Operations at the Piketon facility received a strong signal of support from Congress today as initial appropriations contained adequate funding levels for the fiscal year 2016. The legislation includes $213 million for ongoing Decontamination and Decommission cleanup operations, $48 million above President Obama’s budget request, and $100 million for the American Centrifuge Project.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Senator Rob Portman, both vocal advocates for robust funding levels to keep Piketon operations on track, welcomed the news on Wednesday.

 “This news is a welcome first step to ensure essential full funding for the cleanup and American Centrifuge Project operations at Piketon next year, well above President Obama’s budget request,” Wenstrup said. “The Ohio delegation has repeatedly emphasized the critical need to avoid any lapse in funding and the uncertainty of funding cliffs. I’m glad the needs of Southern Ohio have been heard, and I will continue working to ensure these funding levels are kept intact.”

“I’m pleased the House has reversed the Administration’s cut to cleanup work at Piketon and provided the funds necessary to continue the American Centrifuge Project. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Ohio delegation to ensure these funds are preserved,” said Portman. “The ACP and cleanup projects in Piketon are critical for our national and energy security and an important component to economic development in Southeast Ohio. We still need the Administration to step forward and provide a plan for the site, but this funding is an important step.”

The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, FY 2016, was unanimously referred out of the House Committee on Appropriations to the full House of Representatives on Wednesday. Floor debate and passage in the House is scheduled for April 29.

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