Congressman Bob Riley said he remains confident the federal government will give all the money approved by the Department of Defense as part of Calhoun County's preparations for an accident at the Anniston Army Depot's weapons stockpile and incinerator.
Riley, R-Ashland, addressed the issue Tuesday while sipping a cup of coffee during an informal meeting with Alabama State Troopers at the Jacksonville Trooper Post.
"September 11th probably clarified the reason we need to get this done," the congressman said of the $15.5 million being held in limbo because of concerns by the Federal Emergency Management Agency about how the money will be spent.
County, state and congressional officials have said the money is needed to purchase protective hoods for civilians living near the depot, software upgrades and protective suits for area emergency responders.
Undersecretary of Defense Edward "Pete" Aldridge signed off on purchasing the equipment during a meeting with the state's congressional delegation in November.
"The Undersecretary of Defense promised us that they (the government) would live up to this, and I think he's a man of his word," Riley told the troopers.
He described Governor Don Siegelman's threat of legal action concerning the matter as premature.
Last week, the governor warned he would take legal action to halt the startup of the incinerator unless FEMA gives the state the total $40.5 million in funds the Department of Defense had promised. So far, FEMA has released $25 million.
Riley, who is campaigning for the Republican nomination for governor, told troopers that September's terrorist attacks "redefined what we think about first responders in this country."
Throughout the meeting, which troopers had requested, Riley emphasized that the chance of an accident at the stockpile or incinerator is "very, very, very remote."
Riley asked troopers, "If there is an accident, if there is an incident, if there is a terrorist act anywhere in Alabama, who do you think is going to be the first (agency) that is called?"
The money in question is necessary to "give us the largest degree of protection that is possible," Riley said, adding that more funding may be necessary in the future.
Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge is tentatively scheduled to tour the incinerator, Riley said. The date of the tour has not been released.
During a question-and-answer session, troopers told Riley they lack the communications technology to quickly contact off-duty officers in case of an accident at the Depot.
Troopers said they desperately need a "call down system" that would enable a dispatcher to contact all off-duty personal at the stroke of a button, simultaneously contacting all personnel by phone and pager.
If an accident occurred now, officials said, a dispatcher would have to call the post's 80 personnel one at a time.
"We have got to have a call down system to let our people know in the event of an accident," said Lt. Joyce Shelley, post commander.
