The decision came down to simply removing the word “only” in the comprehensive plan. Currently it states that industrial development can “only” occur on Simco Road. Commissioners agreed by removing the word, it would open the door to more development in other sections of the county, including a possible nuclear power plant.
– By Linton Levy –
According to a report from Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (AEHI), Elmore County Planning and Zoning Commissioners have agreed to change the county’s comprehensive plan supporting AEHI’s proposed nuclear plant. Commissioners agreed with AEHI and said other parts of the county should be available for heavy industrial development, which will help clear the way for a nuclear power plant near Hammett, Idaho.
The decision came down to simply removing the word “only” in the comprehensive plan. Currently it states that industrial development can “only” occur on Simco Road. Commissioners agreed by removing the word, it would open the door to more development in other sections of the county, including a possible nuclear power plant.
According to the Mountain Home News, one of the new P&Z commissioners noted this process has taken far too long, nearly 24 months, about 75 percent longer than other Idaho counties. It’s the same reason AEHI began looking at other counties several months ago.
Since then the company cleared a similar hurdle January 14th, when Payette County P&Z Commissioners voted to change their comprehensive plan in favor of a nuclear power plant.
“The process now comes down to the question of timely site approval as our stockholders and financial institutions are anxious to break ground on the Idaho project. We’ve seen a huge outpouring of support from people living in both areas and believe these recent decisions confirm that support,” said AEHI Chairman and CEO Don Gillispie.
The decision opens more doors to AEHI, and has the potential of starting a sort of bidding war between the two counties.
In the past, both counties showed extensive interest in building a nuclear power plant, but where the plant is built now depends on which county is the first to approve the zoning. Payette County has already set its zoning hearing for February 22nd.
Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (www.alternateenergyholdings.com) Alternate Energy Holdings develops and markets innovative clean energy sources. The company is the nation's only publicly traded independent nuclear power plant developer willing to build power plants in non-nuclear states. Other projects include, Energy Neutral which removes energy demands from homes and businesses (www.energyneutralinc.com), Colorado Energy Park (nuclear and solar generation), and International Reactors, which assists developing countries with nuclear reactors for power generation, production of potable water and other suitable applications. AEHI China, headquartered in Beijing, develops joint ventures to produce nuclear plant components and consults on nuclear power. AEHI Korea, Seoul, is helping negotiate with KEPCO and seek large investors for its projects.