Jennifer M. Granholm Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy | Official Website
Today, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, and City of Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch formalized an agreement to transfer the Department of Energy’s (DOE) American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) building, along with its 17.12 acres, to the City of Oak Ridge. In exchange, DOE will receive space from the city to continue its public education and outreach efforts. These educational efforts focus on recognizing the long-standing partnership between the Department and the City of Oak Ridge.
“From the Manhattan Project of World War II to the cutting-edge materials research of today, Oak Ridge has long played a vital role in American science and security,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “This agreement will ensure that Oak Ridge's history is preserved and shared while providing the city a new opportunity to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.”
"A solution to transfer DOE property in the heart of our city has been one that has eluded the leadership of Oak Ridge for over 16 years, but it is now a great example of local and federal government working together as partners to achieve success,” said Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch. “This transfer creates a 'win-win' for the community and DOE by allowing new, modern facilities for public education and outreach to tell our historical story and future scientific discoveries.”
“It’s an exciting time to join DOE in celebrating one of several key land transfers in the City of Oak Ridge. This transferal will enable the community to effectively tell the story of men and women who have worked to protect our country during times of war and peace," said Congressman Fleischmann. "Throughout my time in Congress I have worked very hard to get government-held property transferred back to Oak Ridge as well as Anderson and Roane counties in order to benefit my constituents."
DOE first opened AMSE at its current location in 1975 as a successor to the American Museum of Atomic Energy, initially established by the federal government in 1949, showcasing work classified for The Manhattan Project during World War II. Today, UT-Battelle manages AMSE under DOE’s management at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), attracting about 65,000 visitors annually. The site currently serves as a starting point for DOE’s Public Bus Tours which include ORNL’s Graphite Reactor, Y-12 National Security Complex, and former K-25 site (now East Tennessee Technology Park).
When completed, this transfer will save DOE more than $2 million in long-term maintenance and operating expenses while providing new space for continued public education efforts focused on Oak Ridge history, modern science, and national security.
Transfer ownership and management allow Oak Ridge future innovative development opportunities. In exchange for AMSE's building land transferal terms are provided: 18,000 square feet free space over 15 years covering rent/utilities/maintenance; occupancy allows DOE current operations there up-to-one-year till new space completion.
