According to a recent study, the proposed plant is expected to create around 5,000 jobs through the construction phase and more than 1,000 jobs during operations
– By Mark McFadden –
In a unanimous decision, Payette County Commissioners approved a critical change to the county's comprehensive plan.
"This important decision sets the stage for the final step for approval of a large advanced nuclear power plant and also gives a strong indication of support by county leaders resulting in a win-win for AEHI stakeholders including the many benefits to the county, state and region for low cost, clean reliable power, not to mention rewarding our investors for their support," said Don Gillispie , AEHI CEO.
The change creates a footprint for industrial uses in an area once designated for the sole purpose of agriculture. More specifically the wording will allow for an industrial complex on a 5,000 acre parcel near Big Willow Road and Stone Quarry Road, just a few miles from New Plymouth, Idaho as long as that industrial purpose involves a nuclear power plant..
"This vote affirms the will of the majority of residents of Payette County who have told us and the commissioners they want a nuclear power plant in their community. They want the jobs and the financial stability for the towns in which they live — something our plant can and will create," said Gillispie..
According to a recent study, the proposed plant is expected to create around 5,000 jobs through the construction phase and more than 1,000 jobs during operations. Pay levels for those jobs will average $60,000 and $80,000 respectively.
The projected revenue for the county and state is staggering. During construction alone the project should increase Idaho's GDP by $5.3 billion, while $4.8 billion will flow directly through Payette County.
Alternate Energy Holdings, Inc. (http://www.alternateenergyholdings.com/) — develops and markets innovative clean energy sources. The company is the nation's only independent nuclear power plant developer seeking to build new power plants in multiple non-nuclear states. Other projects include Energy Neutral, which removes energy demands from homes and businesses (http://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 assisting KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) to export their APR 1400 reactor into the US and achieve NRC design certification.