Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hanford Cleanup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kennewick to join regional call for steady Hanford cleanup funding; council flags grout language
Summary
Councilors agreed to sign a joint op‑ed/letter urging Congress to maintain FY2027 Hanford cleanup funding, though one councilor asked staff to remove a specific reference to expanded low‑activity waste grouting because of open Ecology rulemaking and budget tradeoffs.
City staff circulated an op‑ed/letter supporting continued federal funding for Hanford cleanup in FY2027 and asked the council for consensus to add Kennewick's signature alongside other local governments. The mayor explained the concern that some House budgets show lower Hanford funding than recent levels and that a unified local voice could help maintain momentum.
Councilwoman Gabbard said she supported signing the letter but asked that staff remove specific technical language about expanded low‑activity waste grouting because the topic is under public discussion at the Washington State Department of Ecology and could divert funds from other cleanup missions. "My only concern is... I didn't say anything about the definition of low or high level waste, which is good for me," she said, adding that grouting could shift budget away from other tasks. Staff said they would forward the city’s support and noted participating counties and cities intend to sign under a coordinated effort.
