Comer urges Trump Administration to expedite transfer of federal land to Paducah city officials


Comer urges Trump Administration to expedite transfer of federal land to Paducah city officials

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) is urging the Trump administration to examine strategies to expedite the transfer of land located within the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) back to the residents of Paducah.

Comer sent a letter Tuesday to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Comer's letter stated that his constituents in Paducah ... "are eager to facilitate the transfer of remediated land located within the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant to the local community. I have long supported their efforts to expedite cleanup with the goal of ultimately returning the land to the community for economic development.

"In 2023, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy grant to conduct a study of the regional workforce capability and recommend strategies to capitalize on the existing regional workforce's specialized skillset. This grant, which I helped secure in federal appropriations legislation, allows the community to thoughtfully examine their strengths and maximize the marketability of their state-designated nuclear-ready community to potential developers."

Comer noted that his office has been informed that "DOE and EPA officials expect the first land transfer of approximately 200 acres to be finalized later this year. I encourage you to maintain progress on this transfer and make every effort to prioritize and communicate the next steps to local officials and interested parties."