NEWS RELEASE

Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Jeanette Eleff, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 01, 2002

MAYOR DOUGHERTY TOURS FORT DETRICK

Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, accompanied by Aldermen William Hall, Donna Kuzemchak, Joseph Baldi and David Lenhart, toured Fort Detrick on Thursday, February 28. Colonel James Greenwood, Garrison Commander, invited the new administration to attend this briefing to gain a better understanding of the functions of the local military installation. “This briefing was actually scheduled before I started voicing my concerns about the Fort and their communication with the City,” stated Mayor Dougherty. “I can report that my office is now receiving daily updates.”

Major General John Parker, Commanding General, welcomed the Mayor and Aldermen assuring them that there was never an agenda not to communicate with the City. Mayor Dougherty informed the General she was pleased with the presentation. “I very much appreciate the commitment of the Fort to being a good neighbor.”

The four-hour visit began with a presentation by Colonel Greenwood at Fort Headquarters. He informed the elected officials that he was proud that Fort Detrick was an Army Community of Excellence. The Colonel stated he felt the Fort’s fence line was seamless as they were right in the City’s neighborhood.

The Mayor and Aldermen were treated to a video presentation, which highlighted the mission of the Fort. Specific items of discussion included the Area B-11 Restoration Project, the incineration of medical waste, the potential for an Allegheny Power substation, and the Fort’s wastewater treatment plant effluent. The briefing concluded with a review of the future construction projects.

The remainder of the visit was spent touring the USAMRIID facility. Colonel Edward Eitzen, USAMRIID Commander, gave a presentation and led a tour through the research facility. USAMRIID has biosafety level 3 and 4 labs. Safety is highly emphasized in the lab and the facility. This emphasis on safety became evident when the Mayor’s party became separated during the tour. Due to the security system, the separated group was unable to continue to the Mayor’s location. The group was soon reunited. “I continue to be impressed by the technology and by the research that is conducted in our community,” stated Mayor Dougherty.

Colonel Greenwood concluded the tour by inviting the Mayor and Aldermen to return and visit some other facilities and programs. “I appreciate the openness of the communication we had today,” commented Mayor Dougherty. “I look forward to continuing an excellent relationship with the Fort community.”

Mayor Dougherty will hold a neighborhood roundtable later in March to discuss concerns about the activities at Fort Detrick.

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