HERMISTON, Ore. (AP) — The Red Cross uses the Umatilla Chemical Depot for storage of emergency supplies, but the U.S. Army’s impending departure has forced the Red Cross to decide whether to keep supplies there or move them to another facility.
The East Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/reIuK7 ) the Red Cross likes the Hermiston facility because of its easy access to Portland, Ore., Boise, Idaho, Seattle and Spokane, Wash.
The Red Cross keeps cots, blankets and toiletry kits in several igloos in the depot. They have been used around the country for fires, floods and even Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Red Cross official Charles Yopp says he’s worried the organization’s access to the depot could be limited once another set of federal agencies take up residence and potentially impede the organization’s access to the site.
