LETTER TO HONORABLE JOHN A. MCCONE FROM HOWARD C. BROWN, JR.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R000700150002-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 31, 2007
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: November 13, 1961
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Release 2007/08/31: CIA-RDP80BO1676R000700150002-9
UNITED STATES
ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
November 13, 1961
DOE review
Enclosed, in response to your request today,
is a summary of current status of the Puerto
Rico Nuclear Center and BONUS Project. We
could elaborate more, but I am sure this will
serve to stimulate your own memory on both
Projects.
Best regards,
Hdfaard C. Brown, Jr.
Executive Assistant
to the Chairman
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PUERTO RICO NUCLEAR CENTER:
Established October 1957 to provide facilities for training of Latin
Americans in familiar environment and language in peaceful uses of
atomic energy. Facilities are both at Mayaguez and Rio Piedras.
Current Director - Dr. John C. Bugher
Programs:
1. Nuclear Science and Engineering - coursework and research
leading to MS, degree in Nuclear Engineering and Health Physics.
2. Reactor Operations: Operation of reactor and research using
pool type reactor at Mayaguez.
3. Agriculture Bio-Sciences: Training and research in use of
nuclear techniques in agriculture - emphasis on tropical
crops and animals.
4. Radioisotopes Training Division - training and research in
use of radioisotopes.
5. Clinical Radioisotopes: Use of radioisotopes in diagnosis
and treatment.
6. Radiotherapy and Cancer - training and research in cancer.
Items 1 - 3 are at Mayaguez, remainder at Rio Piedras.
Facilities: $3,650,000 investment
At Mayaguez: 39,000 square ft. laboratory and classroom with
reactor building, greenhouse and pool type reactor.
At Rio Piedras: 18,000 square ft. biomedical building at site
of Puerto Rico Medical Center.
FY 1962 approved budget - $1,045,000
16,500 KW power reactor using nuclear super heat being constructed at
Point Higuera near Rincon P.R. (Western end of Island).
Design by General Nuclear Engineering Corporation - 93% complete.
Construction Management Contractor - Maxon Construction Co., Dayton,
Ohio. Using Insular Outfits whenever possible. 38% complete. Target,
date for completion is December 1962.
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Puerto Rico Water Resources Authority (arm of Insular Government) is
handling the P.R. end. They furnished land, site improvements and
steam generating plant. AEC furnishes building and reactor.
PRW2A will operate reactor on cost reimbursement basis and will buy
steam from AEC at cost not to exceed cost at which they can generate
steam at their newest plant at Palo Seca.
AEC investment $11.0 million
Puerto Rico investment $3.75 million
Report of October 16, 1961
R. L. Corsbie/Dep. Assistant Director for Civil Effects, B&M, after
trip to P.R. brought about by request of Gov. Munoz Marin to Dr. Bugher
for assistance in civil defense situation has recommended:
1. That PRNC give one or two day seminar on effects of nuclear
explosions with idea discussing countermeasures applicable P.R.
in cooperation with Office of Emergency Planning and O.C.D.
2. That Dr. Bugher be provided with data and reports to assist
Governor and staff.
3. PRNC be used as core to bring together medical and supporting
capabilities to develop protective program.
Approved For Release 2007/08/31: CIA-RDP80BO1676R000700150002-9