Blue Grass Army Depot Looking to Add Jobs

The Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond has been gradually reducing its workforce as it winds down operations at the chemical weapons destruction plant. Currently, over 900 workers remain on the project, with about half of them being local hires. Depot officials are hopeful that new job opportunities can be created once the plant closes. 

The U.S. Army is exploring various options to repurpose the land and facilities used for weapons demolition. Some proposals are part of an Army feasibility study, while others have been presented to the depot's business development office. According to William Ritter, the depot's public affairs director, the companies that eventually set up operations at the depot will depend on the available contracts. 

"If the largest company that has been considering us commits, it might require 50 buildings. This would then affect our ability to accommodate other organizations based on who signs on first," Ritter explained. 

Ritter also mentioned that it is uncertain how many local workers will be rehired at the new facilities, as the proposals have not yet been finalized. The specific types of jobs needed are still unknown, but Ritter anticipates a demand for general blue-collar work. 

"The number of jobs and the specific types of positions are still undetermined, which is why we can't say how many of their employees we might be able to rehire," Ritter said. 

In the meantime, the depot has been collaborating with Madison County and local businesses to help their workforce find new employment opportunities. 

The chemical weapons project is expected to be completed by 2027.