Fernald-area residents have reached a consensus on what they want the future use of the former uranium-processing plant to be.

        Residents have been working for several years to evaluate possible public uses for the site, 17 miles northwest of Cincinnati.

        They recently announced a consensus on how the site should be used once cleanup is complete. Estimates are that cleanup could be finished within a decade.

        The Fernald stakeholders' envision a federally owned, regional destination for educating this and future generations about the history of Fernald.

        They anticipate educational facilities for environmental issues, Cold War history and American Indian history.

        “While we are still several years away from completing site remediation, it was important for the public to create its vision for the future of this site so that we could begin planning and incorporating the right concepts into the final cleanup,” said Jim Bierer, Fernald Citizens Advisory Board chairman.

        Residents want the site to be a community resource that serves the education needs of local and academic institutions, and for re-interment of American Indian remains.

        Together with three other community groups, the advisory board conducted three community workshops.

        “I'm 100 percent for it,” said Marvin Clawson, who lives eight miles from the plant. “What else would you do with it?”

        In May, more than 100 people met to discuss issues related to the future of the site. On Oct. 14 the advisory committee formally adopted the vision statement and recommended that the Department of Energy incorporate the provisions into site activities.

        Steve McCracken, DOE Fernald Environmental Management Project director, said it's important that neighbors be involved in the decision-making.

        “We will continue to work with our stakeholders to incorporate their recommendations into future site plans and cleanup decisions,” he said.

Pieces of Cinergy Field for sale
Four arrested in rifle thefts from armory
McNUTT: Progress threatens Golden Lamb
NAACP nominations draw fire
RAMSEY: Teacher's shepherded art collection
Two TV stations refuse GOP attack on Portune
Millions spent for slim results
Voters: Beware changed precincts
Issues count most in Ohio
Ohio students pick Bush
Donation follows DUI arrest
Attorney disputes foe's easy-on-felons claim
Candidate says flier breaks law
Judge: Bengals lease is legal
Missing girl found on bus
School suspends janitor accused of taping kids
Signs will advise Ohio drivers of law
Multiple crashes under investigation
Store owners plead not guilty to obscenity
Teachers get lessons on preparing children to read
Vision for Fernald: Learning center
Driver accused of running down cop
Gall ruling galls officer he shot
Judge upholds local-option liquor law
Kentucky Digest
Kentucky Guard joins firefighting
Local Digest
Man sentenced for luring girl through Internet
Sludge spill brings call for federal review