Lawmakers laud Munitions Disassembly Complex project

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, praised Tuesday the awarding of $41 million for a new Munitions Disassembly Complex at Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, N.J.

The legislators recently joined Army Corps of Engineers, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Picatinny Enhancement Coalition (PEC) personnel in announcing the initiative, which they said represents a significant investment in and expansion of Picatinny’s vital national security mission.

“The construction of this Munitions Disassembly Complex will secure Picatinny Arsenal’s future as America’s leader in the advancement of armaments technology and munitions innovation,” Menendez said. “Simply put, Picatinny is the brainpower behind our nation’s firepower. Here, some of the brightest minds in armament technology, munitions, and chemical and mechanical engineering come together to keep our military on the cutting edge of lethality and precision. We came together as a team and we put New Jersey first—because Picatinny Arsenal always puts America first.”

The Picatinny Arsenal, which was established in 1880 as the Dover Powder Depot, is a comprehensive armament facility spanning over 6,000 acres and responsible for developing all of the Army’s lethal weapons systems.

“Picatinny Arsenal has always played a critical role in the defense of our country,” Sherrill said. “From the Revolutionary War to today’s modernization plans, the work performed at Picatinny strengthens our armed forces and supports their missions throughout the world. The Munitions Disassembly Complex is essential to our military’s mission and to keeping our soldiers safer in the field. This facility will enable our military to safely and effectively analyze and dispose of explosives found on the battlefield.”