Nuclear Plant Siting Feasibility Study Program

The purpose of the grant program is to fund a feasibility study conducted by a qualifying political subdivision, which owns or operates a nuclear power plant in Nebraska, to assess (1) siting options for new advanced nuclear reactors throughout Nebraska and (2) existing electric generation facilities based on key compatibility assets for such advanced nuclear reactors. It must be demonstrated that the grant funds will be used to finance the generation and delivery of clean power to a wastewater system or a water treatment plant, on a pro-rata basis of capital costs.

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) provides state, local, and Tribal governments with the resources needed to respond to the pandemic and its economic effects and to build a stronger economy during the recovery.

For program guidelines, please refer to: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2022/07/Nuclear-Plant-Siting-Feasibility-Study-Program.pdf

*Eligible Applicants: The Nuclear Plant Siting Feasibility Study Program is designed to be extended to any political subdivision which owns or operates a nuclear power plant in Nebraska. **The purposes of this program are to conduct a feasibility study to assess (1) siting options for new advanced nuclear reactors throughout Nebraska and (2) existing electric generation facilities based on key compatibility assets for such advanced nuclear reactors. For a determination of eligibility under Treasury SLFRF FAQ § 6.11, Applicants shall demonstrate that the grant funds will be used to finance the generation and delivery of clean power to a wastewater system or a water treatment plant, on a pro-rata basis of capital costs. If the wastewater system or water treatment plant is the sole user of the clean energy, then all capital costs may be reimbursed with Program funds. However, if only some of the energy is to be used by the wastewater system or water treatment plant, then only the pro rata share of those costs are reimbursable by the Program funds based on the portion of the produced clean energy that the system or plant is estimated to use. In accordance with 31 CFR § 35.6(e)(1), the Program funds must be used to make “necessary investments” in water and sewer for: (i) Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects; (ii) Additional stormwater projects; (iii) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund projects; (iv) Additional lead remediation and household water quality testing; (v) Drinking water projects to support increased population; or (vi) Dams and reservoirs. See 31 CFR § 35.6(e)(1) for specific requirements relating to the eligible investments listed above. U.S. Treasury has provided that water infrastructure projects are deemed necessary if they are in response to an identified need to achieve or maintain an adequate minimum level of services, which may include a reasonable project of increased need, whether due to population growth or otherwise, are a cost-effective means for meeting that need, taking into account available alternatives, and are projected to be sustainable over its estimated useful life. Pre-project development use or cost eligible under the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF and CWSRF, respectively) are “generally presumed to be necessary investments” according to Treasury. Additionally, the nuclear plant and the feasibility study for building a nuclear power plant is expected to provide clean energy for the operation of water treatment plants and wastewater systems in the areas it will service. Only expenditures of these types are eligible for reimbursement in this program.

Resources: General and Program specific user guides and videos can be found at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/amplifund/. Statewide Relay System: Individuals, who are hear ing and/or speech impaired and have a TTY, may contact the Department through the Statewide Relay System by calling (800) 833-7352 (TTY) or (800) 833-0920 (voice). The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505 or (402) 471-3111.