For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

(Washington, D.C) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the National Park System Advisory Board's decision to designate the Hanford Nuclear Reservation's B Reactor as a National Historic Landmark. The Board's decision is another critical step toward preserving the first ever full-scale nuclear reactor. Last week, Senator Murray wrote to the Chairman of the National Park System Advisory Board, Dr. William F. Baker, urging the Board to recommend designation of the B Reactor as a National Historic Landmark.

"This is a great step toward preserving both the B Reactor and an important chapter of our nation's history," said Senator Murray. "The B Reactor will give future generations a chance to learn about the important contribution this region made to the World War II effort and the service and sacrifice of the Hanford community. It will also give the Tri-Cities a tourist attraction that will bring economic support and national exposure to the region. I applaud the Advisory Board on their decision to preserve this historic location and encourage Interior Secretary Kempthorne to accept the Board's recommendation."

The National Park System Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve the B Reactor for National Historic Landmark status. The final decision on whether the B-Reactor will be named to the list of National Historic Landmarks will be made by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne.