“Language I requested directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to complete their assessment of the former Titan Missile Site in Lincoln with all deliberate speed and share those results with the public has been included in this year’s annual Department of Defense Appropriations Bill and Report. I previously made a commitment to ensure the USACE continues to make progress on the cleanup plan and is fully transparent and accountable with the public. This language is the latest step in fulfilling that commitment and I will continue to work to ensure the site is expediently and properly cleaned in a transparent manner.”

Background: The report language now included in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill singles out the former Titan Missile Site in Lincoln, out of every Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) in the nation, for the USACE to focus on assessing and ultimately clean. The language will also help ensure the USACE is transparent and accountable with Lincoln-area residents regarding the site and progress on the ongoing plan to clean contaminants. You can read the specific language here and the full bill report here (the relevant language is included on pg. 60). The bill has already passed the House Appropriations Committee and will next be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Like many Lincoln residents, Rep. Kiley is concerned about the potential hazards created by the former Titan Missile Site and has been in close contact with the USACE regarding their ongoing plan to clean contaminants. The contaminants are currently contained underground and according to the USACE, there is no reason to believe there is any threat to public health or safety. Nevertheless, the Army Corps is conducting a study to determine how far and fast the contaminants are spreading. The study will also include several options to fully clean the site and is expected to be completed this year.