AIKEN, SC – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary Clarence “Bud” Albright, Jr. today announced DOE will increase its Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) from $3.5 million to $6.2 million to Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell counties.  PILT provides financial assistance payments to the counties in lieu of taxes for the land on which the Savannah River Site (SRS) sits.  Under Secretary Albright made this announcement at a community leaders’ reception in Aiken and was joined by U.S. Representative J. Gresham Barrett, SRS’s Manager Jeffrey M. Allison, and officials from Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell County Councils.

“The Savannah River Site is a steadfast leader in facilitating science-driven development of new technologies, advancing our national security interests, and meeting environmental cleanup goals for the future,” Under Secretary Albright said.  “The Department’s PILT payments demonstrate our commitment to continuing our partnerships with the communities that support Savannah River’s critical missions.”

Aiken, Barnwell and Allendale counties began receiving PILT payments from DOE in 1954 and have not received an increase in land values since 1988.  Under the Atomic Energy Act, DOE has the discretion to make financial assistance payments (PILT) to certain communities where the Department has acquired land, previously subject to state and local taxation, for the purpose of carrying out activities in support of DOE’s Atomic Energy Act missions.  DOE and each of the three counties have signed and formalized Intergovernmental Agreements.

“Today’s announcement is good news for the Site’s neighboring counties, and it also demonstrates the Department’s commitment to forge long-lasting, cooperative relationships with our local communities,” DOE-SRS Manager Jeffrey M. Allison said.

The Savannah River Site is a key DOE industrial complex, focusing on the cleanup of legacy materials and wastes left from the Cold War.  It comprises 310 square miles located in Aiken (72,686 acres), Barnwell (121,094) and Allendale (4,211.79) counties.  Constructed during the 1950s to produce basic materials used in the fabrication of nuclear weapons in support of our nation’s defense programs, SRS is recognized for performance and excellence in support of our national security and as a responsible steward of the environment.  Learn additional information on the Office of Environmental Management's website and the Savannah River Site's website.

Media contact(s):
Joann Wardrip, (202) 586-4940
Julie Petersen, (803) 952-7690