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Commissioner Morris urges Ottawa County to pursue small modular nuclear reactors
Summary
Commissioner Duane Morris said Ottawa County should actively pursue small modular nuclear reactors, calling them "extremely safe," noting potential high-paying jobs and tax revenue and saying the county should market itself to developers.
Commissioner Duane Morris told the Board he has been exploring the prospect of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for Ottawa County and urged the county to position itself to attract developers. "Commissioner Morris stated he is looking into small modular nuclear reactors in Ottawa County," the minutes record; Morris said the reactors are "extremely safe," could have a 30–40-year lifespan (with potential for extension), and may be able to use spent fuel rods from larger reactors.
Morris described potential economic benefits including high-paying jobs and added tax revenue, and said he has spoken with the Kansas Corporation Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commissioner Scott Mortimer said he would send Commissioner Grund a news release about SMRs. The minutes show this as a discussion and exploration step; no formal action, study authorization, or financial commitment by the county was recorded.
