Payette Looking at Nuke Plant

http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12027741
Feb. 22, 2010

The people of Payette County came out early and stayed late Monday as their county commissioners took up a proposed change to the comprehensive plan. That change would lay the ground work for Alternate Energy Holdings proposed nuclear power plant.

The plant has run into problems in Elmore and Owyhee counties over the last few years, so they moved west to try and build the plant. "It's an excellent site, because they want us there," AEHI spokesman Dan Hamilton said.

AEHI claims the plant would mean hundreds of millions to the local and state economy, by bringing in thousands of good paying jobs.

Those jobs are one of the concerns opponents have with the plant. They worry Idaho doesn't have the skilled labor needed to man them. "They're going to bring in their own personal help that they want to pay their skilled wages too, so what they're going to do here is hire minimum wage people," Payette resident Roger Smith said.

Smith also worries about contamination, and says security is a big concern for many people.

Others don't see it that way. It looks as if the plant has some powerful support. Several mayors are in favor of it, including Fruitland Mayor Dave Bishop. "Even the discussion and this small change will send a positive message that Payette County is not only interested, but ready."

This is just the first step of many to get approval for the plant. Planning and Zoning commissioners would also have to approve changes.

Commissioners have scheduled a second public hearing for March 22nd.