{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5CF7A600-3CEE-4201-99BE-173D42B3E626", "Barr, McConnell Comment on Blue Grass Army Depot", "2023-09-07", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Andy Barr", "B001282", "barr.house.gov", "barr", "https://barr.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) and U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) commented today on the United States Army\u2019s report on the feasibility of reusing the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant and the Blue Grass Army Depot infrastructure in Richmond, Kentucky.\n\nCongressman Barr and Senator McConnell worked together to authorize this feasibility study in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022. Congressman Barr introduced the provision in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Senator McConnell shepherded this legislation to passage in the U.S. Senate.\n\nThis comprehensive study identifies opportunities to enhance the Depot\u2019s role as a defense logistics node and identifies new missions for its infrastructure once the chemical munitions destruction mission concludes. The Army\u2019s report evaluates 14 opportunities for growth of the mission at Blue Grass Army Depot and identifies multiple promising options, including new defense manufacturing facilities to provide independence from foreign suppliers and munitions components critical to national security.\n\n\u201cEnsuring the longevity and adaptability of the Blue Grass Army Depot has been a top priority for me in Congress. This feasibility study underscores the Depot\u2019s potential to not only bolster our national defense but also drive economic growth in the heart of the Commonwealth. Our collaboration can transform this historic site into a linchpin of innovation, job creation, and American resilience. I remain committed to partnering with Senator McConnell, the U.S. Army, and the people of Madison County to realize this vision,\u201d said Congressman Barr.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve spent the last four decades securing federal funding for the chemical weapons destruction mission at Blue Grass Army Depot. Now, with the end of that project within reach, we must explore the Depot\u2019s promising future and the expansion of its world-class facilities. The Army\u2019s feasibility study takes us closer to shaping that future mission and unlocking new economic opportunities for Central Kentucky,\u201d said Senator McConnell. \u201cI look forward to further working with the Army, Congressman Barr, and the local community to ensure the continued importance of the Blue Grass Army Depot to our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cI want to thank Senator McConnell and Congressman Barr for their longtime support of Madison County throughout the chemical weapons demolition mission and now, as we look to the future,\u201d said Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor. \u201cBlue Grass Army Depot continues to be a pillar of our local economy and our community, and I\u2019m pleased to see the Army take strides to preserve their investment in this region.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://barr.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5CF7A600-3CEE-4201-99BE-173D42B3E626"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4150659553706646, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}