Former Military Installation Overcomes Major Hurdle on Path to Productive Civilian Use - Setting an Example for California, The Nation

Release date: 08/12/2008

Contact Information: Mary Simms, (415) 760-5419, simms.mary@epa.gov

WHAT: No longer an infantry training area, Northern California’s Fort Ord Army post has quickly become a national model for how to expedite cleanup and reuse activities. An innovative legal framework coupled with an aggressive cleanup strategy will allow for rapid cleanup and redevelopment of the Fort Ord area, in Monterey Calif. Through its pioneering cleanup approach, extensive public involvement program, and close regulatory interface, the program will save millions of dollars while continuing to advance property reuse.
WHY: With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s concurrence on the early transfer package, an event this evening will celebrate and mark the transfer of the final 3,337 acres to the local community at this closing 28,000 acre installation.

To meet the needs of media outlets located in the greater Bay area, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California’s Department of Toxic Substances will host an informal media availability session on Tuesday, August 12^th at 11:00 a.m. in San Francisco. (Media Check-in @ 10:45 a.m.)

WHERE: U.S. EPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco (check in at front desk)

Please RSVP in advance with name, contact info and media affiliation to simms.mary@epa.gov to gain access to federal building. Electronic and/or hard copy media kits will be available upon request.

EVENING PRESS EVENT (MONTEREY)

An evening press event hosted by the Fort Ord Reuse authority will take place tonight, August 12^th at 5:15 p.m. in Monterey.

WHERE: Ballroom at the Monterey Marriott Hotel, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. Please check in at media check in table. Electronic and/or hard copy media kits will be available upon request.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mary Simms, (415) 760-5419, simms.mary@epa.gov

Department of Toxic Substances Control, Carol Northrup, (510) 407-4817, cnorthru@dtsc.ca.gov

Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs Office, (831) 242-5104

Fort Ord Reuse Authority, Candy Ingram, (831) 373-3609

For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/sfund/fort-ord/