The president and CEO of the Local Redevelopment Authority for the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot has been appointed to the Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission.

“I am honored by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ appointment to serve on the CAC,” said Russell DeSalvo, president and CEO, PuebloPlex. “I recognize the importance of representing and connecting the Pueblo community with the Army as we approach the conclusion of the mission to safely destroy the chemical weapons stockpile stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. I look forward to fulfilling this important role and assuring transparency throughout the process.”

The appointment of DeSalvo adds a post-closure stakeholder to the CAC. Since 2011, DeSalvo has led the Pueblo Depot Activity Development Authority, doing business as PuebloPlex, the Local Redevelopment Authority of the depot. The 23,000-acre installation will be realigned by Congress pursuant to the Base Realignment and Closure Act.

PuebloPlex represents one of the largest privatization projects in the United States and currently has tenants conducting manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations, railcar storage, reconfiguration and repair, and transloading, as well as numerous business and personal storage tenants.

“As the CAC looks forward to the end of destruction at PCAPP, Russell brings a wealth of experience and ideas to the closure process for PCAPP,” said Irene Kornelly, chair, CAC. “I am very pleased that he was appointed to the CAC.”

The CAC is a nine-member body that serves as a bridge between the community and the government by providing a forum for exchanging information on chemical weapons, offering opportunities for public involvement and representing community and state interests to the Army and Department of Defense. The CAC meets regularly with PCAPP representatives and other government officials.