LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a $1.76 billion project Thursday coming to Paducah, the largest capital investment in the history of western Kentucky.
In a news conference in Frankfort, Beshear said Global Laser Enrichment plans to build a new facility, creating 240 "high-wage positions" in McCracken County.
"This is a game-changing investment for Western Kentucky and our entire commonwealth, and I am excited to see this project and the 240 great jobs come to life for families in Paducah and the surrounding region," Beshear said in a news release Thursday.
"This project solidifies our role as a leader in the country’s nuclear power sector and will transform our economy, creating opportunities for Kentucky families for generations."
GLE uses laser technology to enrich uranium, and the Paducah plant would — once licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission — re-enrich more than 200,000 metric tons of depleted uranium under a 2016 contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.
"GLE greatly appreciates the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s enthusiasm and support for nuclear energy and especially, the creation of new U.S. domestic nuclear fuel sources," Stephen Long, CEO of GLE, said in a news release.
"The incentive package reflects a shared vision for economic development, technological leadership and the establishment of a resilient domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with state and local partners as we advance the PLEF. Paducah was once the hub of the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle, and GLE is proud to reassert Kentucky’s leadership with the world’s most advanced uranium enrichment technology."
The Paduach Laser Enrichment Facility is expected to sit on 665 acres near the DOE's former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. No timeline was given for the start of construction.
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