Chamber wins $225,000 Make My Move award; city asked to explore TerraPower Natrium siting

Deborah Tufel, director of the Hutchinson‑Reno County Chamber of Commerce, told the council Oct. 7 the Chamber and county were awarded $225,000 through the state‑backed Make My Move "Home in the Heartland" program to expand relocation incentives and extend the community’s subscription to the Make My Move platform.

Tufel also summarized a recent economic development pipeline showing several large prospects and outlined steps taken to improve site readiness, including engineering for roadway access to the Kimbell industrial site. She said a number of advanced‑manufacturing, energy and logistics projects are actively examining Hutchinson and Reno County sites.

Tufel described new, exploratory outreach related to TerraPower, a private company developing a Natrium advanced‑nuclear power technology. She said Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce have entered an MOU to explore siting opportunities within Evergy’s service territory, and that Hutchinson’s industrial land, proximity to high‑capacity transmission and available water make the area a potential candidate. Her request to council: consider a letter of support from the city to demonstrate local interest and readiness as the conversation with Evergy and state commerce continues.

Councilmembers expressed support for investigating large energy and data center opportunities; staff asked for authority to draft a letter of support and to coordinate with county and Evergy contacts. Tufel said the Make My Move funds will support expanded relocation incentives and outreach to prospective "movers."