[CPEO-MEF] Demilitarization program gets a failing grade

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Demilitarization program gets a failing grade 

By Matthew Creamer
Star Staff Writer 
02-07-2002 

The Army's program to destroy the nation's chemical weapons stockpile
received a failing grade in President Bush's budget plan released this 
week.

The 2003 budget, which for the first time publishes evaluations of 
government agencies and select programs alongside spending proposals, 
called the chemical demilitarization program "ineffective" because of a 
60 percent cost  increase estimate and delays stemming from "unrealistic 
schedules, site safety and environmental concerns, and poor planning."

The program, charged with the destruction of chemical munitions at nine  
sites, including the Anniston Army Depot, as well as non-stockpile 
weapons sprinkled among the nation's military bases, was one of nine 
programs assessed for the defense-spending portion of the $2.13 trillion 
 plan sent to Congress Monday. 

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/2002/as-nation-0207-mcreamer-2b06v0012.htm