From Deadly Dangerous to Economic Development: A New Beginning for Newport

Press Release

The U.S. Army signed the agreement today transferring the former Newport Chemical Depot in Vermillion County to the Indiana Reuse Authority who will develop the site into the Vermillion Rise Mega Park for industrial development and other uses.

The signing event was hosted in the U.S. Capitol by U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar. For more than 30 years, Lugar worked with the Army and local officials to bring about destruction and safe removal of deadly VX nerve agent stored at the site and prepare the base for a new mission.

"As we close one chapter of the facility's history, we embark upon another. In the coming years the Reuse Authority will be charged with shaping the future of the Newport industrial site. We must work together to ensure that it serves as a new economic engine that provides opportunities for Hoosier families," Lugar said.

The transfer documents were signed by Jack Fenoglio, President of the Newport Chemical Depot Reuse Authority, and Joseph Calcara, Deputy Assistant Undersecretary of Defense.

In addition to Lugar, the ceremony was attended by Cong. Todd Rokita and representatives from the offices of Sen. Dan Coats and Cong. Larry Bucshon. The Reuse authority honored Pentagon officials J. Lynn Boese and Mark Jones for their work on the transition.

Others area residents attending the signing included Robert Rendaci, Reuse Authority Treasurer; Tom Milligan, Reuse Authority Board Member; Bill Laubernds, Reuse Authority Executive Director; and Steve Aker, Reuse Authority Deputy Executive Director.

For pictures of the event, please use this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/senatorlugar/sets/72157627559267933/

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