Utah Delegation Seeks Modernization for Dugway Proving Ground: Overview

by Dr. Shane Turner

Utah’s congressional delegation has introduced the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act to address outdated federal laws that have long hindered the modernization of facilities at Dugway Proving Ground (DPG). Situated in the remote deserts of Tooele County, Utah, Dugway is a premier testing and evaluation center for U.S. chemical and biological defense programs. This article provides a detailed look at Dugway’s background, the legislative barriers it faces, and the proposed solutions that aim to bolster both national security and Utah’s local economy.
Background on Dugway Proving Ground
Establishment and Mission
  • History: Dugway Proving Ground was established during World War II as a testing site for chemical and biological defense.
  • Scope: Occupying approximately 800,000 acres, Dugway conducts rigorous testing of Department of Defense (DoD) chemical and biological defense equipment, including unmanned aircraft systems and obscurants.
  • Core Mission: Beyond evaluating defense technologies, Dugway trains first responders and supports the broader chemical and biological defense infrastructure.
Economic and Community Impact
  • Employment: About 2,500 full- and part-time employees work at Dugway, contributing significantly to the local workforce.
  • GDP Contribution: The facility adds nearly $267 million to Utah’s Gross Domestic Product each year.
  • Quality of Life: While Dugway’s isolated location is advantageous for high-security testing, it also highlights the need for adequate infrastructure to support personnel and their families.
The Problem: An Obsolete Law
1994 NDAA Restriction
  • A provision in the 1994 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prevents the U.S. Army from requesting funds for military construction projects linked to chemical and biological defense.
  • Consequences: This legal barrier has curtailed essential upgrades at Dugway, leading to infrastructure neglect and limiting the facility’s ability to keep pace with emerging threats.
Impact on Dugway’s Readiness
  • Outdated Facilities: Laboratories and testing areas require modernization to address evolving chemical and biological threats effectively.
  • Strategic Vulnerability: As adversaries like China and Russia advance their chemical and biological warfare capabilities, underfunding impedes the DoD’s readiness and rapid response potential.
The Proposed Solution: Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act
Legislative Overview
  • Bill Introduction: Utah’s delegation—led by Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, and Representatives Chris Stewart, John Curtis, Burgess Owens, and Blake Moore—introduced the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act on May 18, 2023.
  • Bill Number: The Senate version is designated S. 1716 and was referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Although it did not receive a vote in the 118th Congress, its provisions may be included in future defense authorization or omnibus bills.
Key Goals
  1. Modernization of Dugway Proving Ground
  • Amending the 1994 NDAA: The new act removes the prohibition on funding requests for military construction projects related to chemical and biological defense.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: By unlocking funding, Dugway can update its labs, expand testing capabilities, and improve living conditions on base.
  1. Strengthening National Security
  • Countering Emerging Threats: Upgraded facilities would enhance the DoD’s ability to respond to advanced chemical and biological threats.
  • Strategic Alignment: The bill aligns with the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Enterprise Strategy, emphasizing operational readiness at speed and scale.
  1. Economic and Quality of Life Benefits
  • Community Impact: Modernized infrastructure will support job creation, boost local economies, and improve quality of life for Dugway personnel.
  • Statewide Benefits: Utah’s economy stands to gain from increased federal investment, reinforcing Dugway’s role as a major economic driver.
Statements from the Utah Delegation
  1. Senator Mitt Romney
  • “Dugway Proving Ground is critical to our national defense. Removing outdated funding restrictions will ensure it remains a world-class facility capable of meeting today’s threats.”
  1. Representative Blake Moore
  • “While Dugway’s isolation historically offered strategic advantages, that should not justify neglect. We must invest in Dugway’s future and uphold its strategic importance.”
  1. Representative Chris Stewart
  • “Adversaries are growing bolder, and chemical and biological threats are evolving rapidly. Dugway’s ability to counter these threats is central to our security.”
Legislative Context and Progress
  • Historic Oversight: Since 1994, attempts to modernize chemical and biological defense infrastructure have been stymied by the restrictive NDAA provision.
  • Recent Developments: Utah’s delegation secured measures in the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA supporting Dugway, reflecting bipartisan commitment.
  • Future Path: Although S. 1716 did not advance in the 118th Congress, portions of the bill may resurface in subsequent defense authorization legislation.
Broader Implications and Alignment with National Strategy
National Defense Strategy
  • Biological and Chemical Warfare: The U.S. is increasingly focused on deterring and responding to threats involving advanced biotechnologies, particularly as outlined in the 2022 National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan.
  • DoD’s Biodefense Posture Review: Aims to counter biothreats through 2035; modernized facilities like Dugway are essential for implementing this strategy.
Economic and Community Development
  • Job Creation: Infrastructure improvements at Dugway require construction, maintenance, and long-term operational staff, stimulating local economies.
  • Quality of Life Enhancements: Better facilities—including housing, healthcare, and recreational amenities—would support military and civilian families, making Dugway a more attractive posting and improving retention.
The Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act represents a crucial bipartisan effort to address long-standing funding obstacles at Dugway Proving Ground. By amending an obsolete 1994 NDAA provision, Utah’s congressional delegation seeks to empower Dugway to modernize its facilities and remain at the forefront of chemical and biological defense. This modernization is not just a matter of national security—where threats from adversaries continue to evolve—but also an economic and quality-of-life imperative for Utah’s communities and the thousands of employees who rely on Dugway.
With steadfast support from the Utah delegation, the legislation underscores the importance of removing bureaucratic hurdles that limit the DoD’s ability to protect the nation. If passed, it will pave the way for a new era at Dugway Proving Ground—securing America’s defense posture while ensuring continued economic growth for the state of Utah.