Reorganization at Hanford

The Atomic Energy Commission intends to separate the operations of its Hanford Laboratory facilities in Richland, Wash., from the rest of the AEC contract activities in the Hanford complex. An announcement dated March 5 states that the Laboratory's program has expanded far beyond its original mission, the support of production operations, and that it will be transferred to a nonprofit organization capable of attracting research and development work from private organizations and other government agencies. The new contractor will also be expected to maintain close relationships with universities in the region, providing for participation in AEC research activities on both the graduate and postgraduate level.