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Supporting the region

As the Y‑12 National Security Complex continues its mission of nuclear nonproliferation and national defense, we serve the world, our country and our region. One way of supporting East Tennessee starts with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which is making it possible to remove legacy materials and demolish excess facilities years ahead of schedule. Seven Y‑12 environmental management projects, representing nearly $267 million in ARRA funding, begin this year and will be completed in 2011. The funds received by Y‑12 are part of the $755 million received by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Oak Ridge Office Environmental Management program. For Y‑12 employees and our subcontractors, we'll provide jobs to our region when they're most needed, during a time of economic instability.

According to a 2008 study, every DOE job creates about 3.7 jobs across the state. One example is Y‑12's licensing agreement with Adaptive Methods of Chattanooga, Tenn., which enables that company to produce the Rapid Deployment Shelter System, a portable emergency shelter. Over the next few years, the manufacturing operation will grow to employ more than 100 engineers and production personnel. We also mentor many small businesses such as DCS Electronics, which manufactures instrumentation systems and fabricates metal products.

Y‑12 also has an abundance of good problem solvers. By adapting an inexpensive off-the-shelf bag for use in a challenging environment, we've all but eliminated moisture damage to sensitive parts. In another project, we worked with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop a device that enables bomb-detection equipment to be tested and calibrated in a safer, more secure way. We've also invented a new approach to crowd control: the Banshee-II is a fist‑sized device that disperses crowds with a shrill noise. And in response to the government's mandate to reduce federal facilities' energy use by 30%, Y‑12's newly designated energy manager searches the site for energy savings.

Our regional role was highlighted at a recent Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit held here at Y‑12, where the conference began 14 years ago. More than 450 business managers, civic leaders and elected officials attended the summit. Our growth and influence prompted U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Tennessee to observe, “I can't imagine this facility being in a stronger post–Cold War position.”

In the following pages you'll find more about how Y‑12 is supporting the local economy and, as always, our nation.

Darrel P. Kohlhorst

President and General Manager

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