ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, February 9, 1996 TAG: 9602090046
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.VA.
For the next month, the public can tour The Greenbrier's congressional bomb shelter.
The concrete-and-steel bunker beneath the plush resort was an open secret among locals after it was built in 1959 as a refuge for Congress in case of nuclear war, but the government did not acknowledge its existence until 1994.
The bunker was decommissioned in July 1995, and The Greenbrier late last year opened it up to reporters. Now the public can walk through the narrow subterranean halls, at $10 a head.
``We feel that it is important from both an educational and historical standpoint that we share this fascinating and informative part of the Cold War with our community,'' said General Manager Gil Patrick.
The 11/2-hour tours begin at the train station across from The Greenbrier's entrance at 2:30 p.m. each Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through March 14. Visitors will be bused 25 at a time to the facility.
Spokeswoman Pamela Ritchie suggested arriving early to minimize waiting. The hotel will accommodate as many visitors as possible each tour day, but Ritchie said she could not guarantee everyone will get inside if there is a crowd.
The Greenbrier is about a 75-minute drive north of the Roanoke Valley. Take U.S. 220 to Clifton Forge, then Interstate 64 to White Sulphur Springs.
- Staff and wire reports
LENGTH: Short : 34 linesby CNB