During the Cold War, I sat on Alert as I flew the KC-135 aircraft, the flying gas station that enabled nuclear-laden B-52s to make it to their targets. Many may not remember, but the B-52s were constantly armed so the US could respond within minutes to ensure mutual destruction should we be attacked by the Soviet Union.
Back then, the Savannah River Site (SRS) played an instrumental role in developing high-energy nuclear material needed for those weapons.
Nuclear power was important then, and it’s important now, especially in the Third District.
Optimizing this resource facility is a cornerstone of our district’s economy.
Today, not only is SRS the biggest employer in our District, but it plays a unique role in creating new technologies, putting our people to work.
With an annual budget of $2 billion, SRS employs 11,000 people at its facility. These employees and their families fuel additional businesses and industries throughout the region. According to the SRS website, its “economic impact ripples across a two-state area at a rate of about $2.6 billion per year.”
Last week, Congressman James Clyburn spoke about SRS and its critical role in our future at the 18th Edward Teller Lecture and Banquet of the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness.
As he described it, the SRS is reprocessing the high level nuclear material driving our power plants, which provide electricity throughout our area.
Also, SRS scientists are continuously perfecting methods to more safely store nuclear waste and to create more ways to use this vital resource, such as powering satellites.
Not only do we have one of the country’s premier nuclear facilities in our own District, but also SRS has spawned new nuclear engineering programs in South Carolina.
Nurturing this facility is the responsibility of our Congressional delegation, lead by Congressman Clyburn. SRS effectiveness depends on adequate Congressional funding and support for its technology innovations and educational efforts.
We must continue to optimize the potential of the Savannah River Site as it employs more of our citizens and offers new avenues of higher learning in South Carolina.
