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Board signs letter supporting Appalachian Power's early-site-permit grant application for modular reactor
Summary
Amherst County approved a letter of support for Appalachian Power Company to pursue Department of Energy funding for an early-site permit for a small modular reactor. The vote authorizes the county administrator to send the letter; board members asked for additional community outreach and safety information.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 7 approved a letter of support for Appalachian Power Company (APCo) to apply for Department of Energy funding to pursue an early-site permit for a proposed small modular reactor (SMR) sited on APCo-owned property near Joshua Falls, adjacent to Campbell and Appomattox counties.
The motion, made by Supervisor Wade Tucker and approved by voice vote, authorizes the county administrator to sign the letter of support. Board members emphasized that a support letter helps APCo's grant application but does not represent county approval of a site or project; multiple federal, state and local permitting steps and public-comment opportunities remain.
Why it matters: An early-site permit is a procedural step that can reduce technical and regulatory uncertainty for a potential generation project and makes developers more competitive for federal funding. The company said the SMR could provide around-the-clock clean baseload power and that the Department of Energy has a funding program for SMR generation projects. Board members pressed for more community meetings and information on safety, waste handling and design choices.
What was said: APCo's representative (Mr. Mahon) said the company is entering the early site permit application process and intends to apply for federal funds for the effort. He told the board the waste would remain on site in engineered confinement and that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would regulate safety.
Supervisor comments reflected cautious interest. "I believe nuclear energy is most likely going to be the solution for our energy needs in the future," one supervisor said, while others requested more detailed safety briefings and additional outreach events in Amherst. The company committed to sustained public engagement and noted that full permitting and construction, if approved, could extend over a decade.
Ending: The board's vote allows APCo to show local support in its grant application while preserving the county's ability to participate in later permitting and public-review stages.
