SEC’s Jacob Effler interview - ARRA Funded Project – His Personal Experience

Oak Ridge, Tennessee – March 23, 2010 – Safety and Ecology Corporation (SEC) was mentioned by Energy Secretary Steven Chu, in a press release issued by DOE on 3/23/2010 entitled, “Secretary Chu Highlights Recovery Act Cleanup Progress. Over $1.5 billion spent creates or saves over 14,400 jobs nationally; commitment to small business ensures greatest economic impact.”

SEC’s Jacob Effler was interviewed regarding his personal experiences having worked on an ARRA funded project for SEC. Mr. Effler’s unique experience has been recognized by DOE.

Secretary Chu visited ORNL on March 22 and 23, where he toured a range of Recovery Act projects and saw firsthand the progress that has been made possible as a result of these investments. DOE’s release goes on to say the cleanup efforts have included significant work by small businesses.

As stated in DOE’s press release:
These cleanup efforts have included significant work by small businesses, which have played an important role in spurring job growth and economic recovery in these communities. Of the $6 billion in total Recovery Act funding for the EM program, almost $700 million to date has been awarded to small businesses that are accelerating the cleanup of soil and groundwater, transporting and disposing of waste, and clearing and demolishing former weapons complex facilities.

The Safety and Ecology Corporation (SEC), based in Knoxville, Tenn., is one of the small businesses to benefit from Recovery Act funding. The company has been awarded four Recovery Act projects totaling $21 million for the demolition of facilities and cleanup of hazardous materials at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex. As a result of these Recovery Act investments, the company estimates it will save or create approximately 115 jobs in Oak Ridge.

One of those jobs belongs to Jacob Effler, site superintendent for SEC’s Recovery Project B&W Bldg 9735 Decommissioning and Decontamination (D&D). Under the Recovery Act, Effler was given the opportunity to work his way up from a laborer with the company to a project supervisor. Today, in addition to overseeing a Recovery Act project at the Oak Ridge Site, Effler has been going to school at night to get a degree in Engineering and Construction Management.

“For me, the Recovery Act project has been great. It has allowed me the opportunity learn new things, while moving my career forward. On each project, I progressively took on more responsibility and had other superintendents help me along the way. I am grateful they gave me a chance,” said Mr. Effler.

To view the entire press release, visit the DOE Web site: http://energy.gov/news/8785.htm.