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Building trades and others tell supervisors rezoning could bring jobs and industry
Summary
At the hearing, labor and business advocates urged rezoning industrial land to allow nuclear energy production and SMRs, arguing potential job creation and economic growth for Woodbury County and repurposing underused industrial sites.
Representatives of construction and industry groups told the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors that allowing nuclear-energy-related uses in industrial zones could create jobs and repurpose underutilized sites.
Craig Levine, president of Northwest Iowa Building Trades, said rezoning could "ensure that nuclear energy is integrated into the community as a safe, environmentally responsible manner" and argued that permitting SMRs and nuclear production on industrial land could drive local economic development and employ thousands of workers in the region.
Doyle Turner and other business-oriented commenters urged proactive zoning so counties retain authority and procedural protections. Board members acknowledged those economic arguments while reiterating that the ordinance itself does not authorize construction and that federal and state review would be required before any project could move forward.
