[cdn-nucl-l] Good news from ORNL and SNS (Spallation Neutron Source) !

[Ron Ellis <ellisrj@ornl.gov>]

Here are two accounts of today's good news story regarding the Spallation
Neutron Source (SNS) and ORNL.  This will benefit the science, physics, and
nuclear engineering community!  (remember to visit www.ornl.gov; those
interested should scout out the employment section; see also
http://www.sns.gov/jobs/jobs_AMT.htm)

Ron


http://www.oakridger.com/stories/092600/new_0926000056.html



and an excerpt from another newspaper story....
______________________________
Congress OKs more than was expected

WASHINGTON -- In a big boost for Oak Ridge and the Department of Energy,
congressional leaders agreed on more funding than was expected to begin
construction next year on one of the country's most expensive science
projects. Leaders agreed to spend $278 million for the federal fiscal year
beginning Oct. 1 to accelerate construction on the Spallation Neutron Source
at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The project -- to be constructed over a
six-year period -- is expected to cost $1.4 billion all told for equipment,
buildings and labor.

The final funding of $278 million matched the Energy Department's initial
recommendation and was higher than the $241 million approved by the Senate
and the $119 million passed by the House.

If the proposal is accepted by President Clinton as part of a broad energy
and water projects bill, following ratification by the full House and
Senate, within 12 months the number of construction workers at the Oak Ridge
site will grow to 600 or 650. Some 600 scientists and engineers are already
working on the project nationally, including 200 at Oak Ridge, project staff
said. Construction jobs are expected to peak at about 1,500.

David Moncton, director of the project in Oak Ridge, praised Sens. Fred
Thompson and Bill Frist, both Tennessee Republicans, Pete Domenici, R-N.M.,
Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., and others for building support in Congress for the
Spallation Neutron Source.

"No one had ever criticized the project's scientific need that I'm aware
of," Moncton said of past questions in Congress. "There's been nothing but
support for that. It was a question of whether the project was being managed
well or not. I really think this shows we have our problems behind us. It
shows tremendous support for the project."

The 75-acre project will have as its centerpiece in a particle accelerator
to generate neutrons for experiments which may lead to advances in materials
for computers, pharmaceuticals, aircraft and other products.

Thompson said of the funding approval: "Congress has recognized the vital
contribution that SNS will make to restoring America's leadership in neutron
science. I am thrilled that our colleagues on the conference committee
recognized how important this project is and lent their support for full
funding."

Frist called it "a victory for Tennessee and technology nationwide. The SNS
facility will not only ensure that we maintain our technological edge but
encourage vital research and development initiatives. (It) is a great
accomplishment for the nation."

Wamp credited Moncton and his management team with convincing Congress the
project is being well managed.

"This will go a long way to assure that this project is not just funded for
the next year but completed" over six years, Wamp said. "This was the hurdle
year. After all the scrutiny ... the project has reached ... a full stride
and now full funding which will literally give us momentum going into the
new administration."

Bill Madia, ORNL director, said the energy bill boosts funding both for
Spallation and various science programs at ORNL and other labs.







_____________________________
Ronald J. Ellis, Ph.D. (Physics)
Reactor Physics Group
Nuclear Analysis and Shielding Section
Computational Physics and Engineering Division
Rm. 8K, Bldg.6025, MS-6363, ORNL
P.O. Box 2008
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831
USA