BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Executives from French-owned energy services
company Areva Incorporated say they have picked eastern Idaho for a
new $2 billion uranium enrichment plant.
Company officials announced today plans to build the facility 18
miles west of Idaho Falls, near the Idaho National Laboratory,
where scientists have researched nuclear energy since the 1940s.
The company's decision was influenced by concessions approved
late in the 2008 Legislature.
In March, lawmakers approved extending a sales tax exemption for
production equipment that handles nuclear fuel. Lawmakers also
capped property tax valuations at the plant at $400 million.
Areva President Michael McMurphy says the plant will help fill a
market for more clean energy alternatives and the infrastructure to
support it.
Before the plant is built, Areva still must get approval from
local, state and national agencies, including a license from the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)