|
FUNDING CONCERNS
The 112th Congress convened in January and is considering legislation to fund the federal government for the remainder of FY11 at the same time the President has released his budget for FY12. Both chambers of Congress are being pressed to address the rising federal deficit by cutting non-defense discretionary spending. Below is a brief summary of the potential negative implications at SRS, to date.
FY11 Continuing Resolution Concerns
President Barack Obama signed into law a new short-term stop-gap funding measure that will continue to fund the Department of Energy's cleanup program at roughly current levels through March 18. The new Continuing Resolution replaces one scheduled to expire March 4.
In the current budget (FY11) battles, MOX programs are in potential serious jeopardy. The recently passed House Continuing Resolution proposes a 45 percent cut to the MOX project for the remainder of fiscal year 2011. The Senate leadership substitute, published March 4, proposes a 22 percent cut. White the Senate number represents a 22 percent savings over the Administration's request, it would be sufficient for peak construction to continue on schedule and in compliance with contractual, statutory and international obligations.
FY12 Budget Concerns
In February 2011, SRNS was directed to develop plans for placing H-Canyon in a minimum safe condition with minimum staffing levels by Dec. 31, 2011, and HB line in a minimum safe condition by April 30, 2011. DOE also requested a list of potential future projects for these facilities should funding become available. H Canyon, named for its design, is the only facility in the nation to process certain types of plutonium, highly enriched uranium and aluminum-clad spent nuclear fuels. The president's 2012 budget provides a funding shortfall of about $100 million.
Local Initiative
The Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce has sent out a "call-to-action" asking its members to contact members of Congress in support of appropriate MOX funding in the FY 11 Continuing Resolution and notified its members that a similar "call-to-action" may be required for H-Canyon when the FY 12 budget proceeds. If you would like additional information on this local initiative, contact Rick McLeod.
|
|
Linking Local Job Needs
A transition resource center opens mid-March to assist employees recently impacted by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) layoffs. The center is well-prepared to help match worker skills with employer needs. While many workers are likely to find new opportunities throughout the Department of Energy complex, the SRSCRO is working to maximize communication of local jobs by linking likely employers with the transition center. Through the Nuclear Workforce Initiative (NWI) Staffing Committee, local nuclear employers have met with the SRNS transition center directors. Beyond the nuclear industry, SRSCRO Board Members have identified Aiken-Augusta area employers seeking highly skilled workers and appropriate transition center connections have been made. For more information contact Mindy Mets.
|
|
NWI and Leadership Augusta
This year's Leadership Augusta Education Day, held at Augusta State University on March 10, included a panel discussion on the Nuclear Workforce Initiative (NWI) findings and future. Panelists addressed questions about the long-term regional need for 10,000 new nuclear workers over 10 years, the impact of recent SRS layoffs and nuclear power industry growth. Local college and university leaders served on the panel with nuclear employer representatives from MOX and Southern Company and members of the SRSCRO staff. Marc Miller, Dean of the Hull College of Business at Augusta State University moderated the discussion. "Community leaders learned a great deal about our region's nuclear industry and the educational opportunities available to prepare our local workforce to meet long-term industry challenges," comment Dr. Miller. Leadership Augusta is a program designed to enhance the civic participation of emerging leaders in the region.
|
|
Sweet Treasure from the Past
 Sweet Sorghum is syrup made from the juice of Sorghum Cane. In years past, it was an important source of sweetener. It came into prominence during the 1850's in the United States. It was something that many farms grew to some extent. Many just planted enough for their own use while others grew it as a cash crop. Most neighborhoods had at least one farmer that had a mill and evaporating pan.
You might find such cane mills or sorghum mills on old farms in American Southern states and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) was no different.
Recently, a 105-year old cane press was found in the SRS woods on the Barnwell County side of the site. According to markings on the press, it was forged by Goldens' Foundry and Machine Company of Columbus, Georgia. Construction started on the press in September 1905 and finished in January 1906. The company experienced rapid growth in the first decades of the 1900s, in large part due to the popularity of its line of cane mills.
This sweet treasure from the past is being provided to the Barnwell County Museum by the SRSCRO. Based upon his interest and participation with the Dunbarton Reunion group, Barnwell Fire Chief, Tony Dicks, identified the historical importance of the press and the Museum made a request for the property under the SRSCRO Asset Transition Program.
|
Fred Humes Resigns as a Director of EDP
Fred Humes, who has been the Director of the Economic Development Partnership of South Carolina (EDPSC) for 20 years, will be resigning. Humes will become director emeritus of the EDPSC and continue as director of the Applied Research Center, the technology outreach arm of the partnership.
The Board of Directors of the EDPSC has named Associate Director Will Williams as the next director beginning April 1.
|
New President Named for SRR
 Dave Olson has been named President and Project Manager of Savannah River Remediation, LLC (SRR). Mr. Olson takes over for Jim French, who has accepted a URS international assignment in the United Kingdom.
SRR is the Savannah River Site's (SRS) Liquid Waste contractor, a team of companies led by URS with partners Bechtel National, CH2M Hill and Babcock & Wilcox. Critical subcontractors for the contract are AREVA, Energy Solutions and URS Safety Management Solutions. |
|
|
|
SRSCRO Spotlight |
SRSCRO Board Member K. D. Justyn
K.D. Justyn has been a SRSCRO Board Member since 2010. She serves on the SRSCRO Finance and Audit Committees.
K.D. retired from her position as chief executive officer of the Aiken Regional Medical Centers in 2009, where she led a number of physical expansions which helped the ARMC become a leading health care provider in the area.
She was a driving force for medical excellence for Aiken area and directed many ARMC projects such as expanded emergency services and intensive care facilities, as well as a new cancer center while with the ARMC.
K.D. lives in Aiken and is giving back to the community for which she has already done so much.
|
|
