Kewaunee County partners with Terrestrial Energy for nuclear reactor negotiations

The Kewaunee County Board meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on significant developments in the nuclear energy sector and updates from the county administration.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the county's involvement in nuclear energy projects. Board members highlighted their role as facilitators in conversations with Energy Solutions and state officials regarding potential nuclear reactor installations. They emphasized their position as a neutral party, akin to "Switzerland," which allows them to effectively connect local government entities with energy companies. The board noted that Terrestrial Energy is the company with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could impact Kewaunee County, while Energy Solutions has agreements with other energy firms as well.

Following the nuclear energy discussions, the county administrator provided updates on several initiatives. A key highlight was the successful update of the county website and application process, aimed at improving accessibility for job applicants. Early feedback suggests this has led to an increase in applications, enhancing the county's competitiveness in attracting new employees.

Additionally, the administrator reported on preparations for a FEMA-evaluated exercise in collaboration with emergency management, particularly concerning the Point Beach nuclear plant. This exercise is crucial for ensuring readiness in the event of an emergency. Lastly, the administrator announced that the employee assistance program is now operational and accessible to county staff.

Overall, the meeting underscored Kewaunee County's proactive approach to nuclear energy development and its commitment to improving local governance and employee support systems.