'We are the perfect fit': Coffey County submits proposal for new nuclear power plant

COFFEY COUNTY (KSNT) - Coffey County is pursuing a project that could bring a new nuclear reactor to its corner of Kansas.

The Coffey County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on Oct. 20 signaling its support and interest in bringing a new nuclear power plant to the local area. This comes after Evergy and TerraPower announced their intentions in establishing a new natrium nuclear power plant in Kansas.

Coffey County is already home to the state's only nuclear power plant: Wolf Creek Generating Station. The county's commissioners hope to use the established relationship with Evergy to bring a new plant to the area.

"We are not just ready for a project like this; we are the perfect fit," said Wayde Thomsen, chairman of the Coffey County Board of Commissioners. "Our legacy as the proud home of Wolf Creek has forged a powerful bond with Evergy. We are excited to build on that decades-long partnership by welcoming TerraPower to our community and securing our role as a leader in the future of energy."

The Board of County Commissioners highlighted several key advantages in its letter to TerraPower and Evergy that show Coffey County is an ideal location for the project. These include:

• Deep-rooted community support.
• A skilled and sustainable workforce.
• Proven infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

"This is a transformative opportunity built on a proven foundation," said Jenny Tatman, Coffey County Economic Development Director. "Our long-standing relationship with Wolf Creek and our direct workforce pipeline with Flint Hills Technical College remove uncertainties and create a turnkey environment for this project. Our message to TerraPower and Evergy is simple: we are prepared, we are supportive, and we are ready to get to work."

The board expects a decision to be made on the location of the new natrium reactor in 2026. Local officials in the county are optimistic that its proposal to the two companies will make Coffey County a top contender for the plant.

Coffey County is not the only contender in the race to introduce a new nuclear power plant to the Sunflower State. Lyon County is also pursuing bringing the new nuclear power plant to its area.

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