FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wal-Mart Halts Plans to Develop Kilbuck Township Site
Pittsburgh, PA (September 26, 2007) - Under a revised stabilization plan, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today announced that it will not develop property in Kilbuck Township, Allegheny County. Wal-Mart's plan will return the hillside to a pre-development, natural sloping condition that includes trees and vegetation.
Yesterday afternoon, Wal-Mart officials met with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to discuss the pending submission of a revised stabilization plan. The revised stabilization plan addresses many concerns that the DEP and elected officials shared, as well as constructive comments made by the public during the July 25th public meeting.
The proposed revisions, which are still being drafted for submission to state officials, will differ from the initial plan in the following ways:
- 40 to 45 foot reinforced soil stability slope ("RSS") at 1:1 slope placed on bedrock 100 feet (approximate distance) from the rock cliff along Route 65 (initial submission called for a 100' RSS)
- 5:1 slope from front RSS to back of property for 650 to 700 feet (initial submission called for flat area)
- Two 25 foot walls (1:1 slope) on back half of property separated by 4:1 sloped area (initial submission called for one 60' wall)
As stated publicly throughout, Wal-Mart had not considered or discussed development options for the site but maintained that site stability was the primary and immediate concern. After listening to concerns stated during the July 25 public meeting, Wal-Mart felt the attention would continue to focus on possible plans for the site, rather than the targeted goal of permanent stabilization. Therefore, a major revision to the original stabilization plan was believed to be the best way to demonstrate Wal-Mart's commitment to site stabilization. Wal-Mart will continue to work with DEP and address any additional concerns or comments as a result of this revised plan.
Since assuming operational control of the site in late March of this year, Wal-Mart has made significant improvements toward the stability of the site. Public confidence in that work, as well as in the decisions that will be forthcoming, is very important to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart remains committed to being a good neighbor in Kilbuck Township.
With today's announcement, Wal-Mart recognizes that many of our supporters in Kilbuck Township and surrounding communities will be disappointed. Thank you for all your support throughout some very difficult times. Wal-Mart also appreciates the hard work and cooperation from Senator John Pippy, Representative Mark Mustio, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Task Force members (Representatives Tom Petrone, Sean Ramaley, Randy Vulakovich), and the Joint Conservation Committee, including Executive Director Craig Brooks.
Wal-Mart continues to explore other opportunities for growth throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. At Wal-Mart, we save people money so they can live better. That's been true since Sam Walton founded Wal-Mart more than four decades ago. It's still true today. We want local residents to have convenient access to quality merchandise at unbeatable prices. They expect that. They deserve it. And we are continually grateful for the opportunity to provide it.
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