Grandy: Pause BWXT expansion until questions answered

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy said potential jobs must not come at the expense of unanswered safety and community concerns, advising a pause on a proposed rezoning tied to BWXT's planned expansion. In a statement released Monday by the Washington County Mayor's Office, Grandy said BWXT's proposal could bring high-tech, high-paying jobs to rural Washington County. "BWXT's planned expansion could bring high-tech, high-paying jobs into rural Washington County," he said. "Our citizens want those kinds of jobs that can keep our kids here, and we support President Trump's peace-through-strength and American energy dominance agenda, including nuclear energy." At the same time, he said the county's primary responsibility is to protect its residents. "That said, the first duty of the county government is to protect our local community," he said "Several months ago, I advised BWXT's leadership to engage with community concerns proactively. They have not done so, and valid questions remain unanswered. "These questions are not coming from radical activists or conspiracy theorists. They are coming from educated, reasonable, civic-minded citizens who want to see Washington County prosper." While Grandy stated he does not have a vote on the rezoning request, he stated he believes he has a responsibility to speak on behalf of residents and the broader community. "The concerns they have raised are serious, and our community deserves clear answers," he said. "As mayor, I do not have a vote on this rezoning request, but I do have a voice to speak on behalf of our citizens. "At this point, I recommend a pause until BWXT provides more substantive and satisfactory answers." The Washington County Planning Commission will meet to discuss the expansion at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the George Jaynes Justice Center.