(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne’s decision to designate the B Reactor at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation as a National Historic Landmark. Senator Murray has been a strong supporter of preserving the B Reactor as a way to honor the sacrifices of the residents of the Tri-Cities during World War II, teach the important lessons of the Cold War, and build the region’s tourism economy.
“Only a tiny proportion of the sites on the National Historic Register actually becomes a National Historic Landmark, so today’s designation is truly a great honor,” Senator Murray said. “But it is a well-deserved honor. The B Reactor tells a story about the vital role the people of the Tri-Cities played during a critical chapter in our nation’s history. I am thrilled that today, Secretary Kempthorne recognized the importance of preserving that history for generations to come.”
“Designation as a National Historic Landmark also is a key step forward in permanently protecting the B Reactor,” Senator Murray added. “The B Reactor will be an important attraction for the region, and it will give visitors from across the country an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the contribution made by Hanford and the Tri-Cities during World War II and the Cold War.”
In the U.S. Senate, Senator Murray has worked to support preservation and National Historic Landmark designation of the B-Reactor by:
- Writing to Secretary Kempthorne to express her continued support for designating the B Reactor as a National Historic Landmark
- Including $500,000 in Senate spending legislation for a museum at the B Reactor site
- Including $200,000 in Senate spending legislation for designing a public access road to the B Reactor site
- Urging the Chairman of the National Park System Advisory Board to recommend designation to Secretary Kempthorne
- Visiting B Reactor to get a first-hand look at how the Reactor can become a tool for learning
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