The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas is no closer to filling its long vacant permanent president position; however, the RDA Board of Directors did take action Wednesday to help bring a new nuclear project to the area.
During their recent meeting Wednesday morning, board members heard from Kansas 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber regarding the recently announced memorandum of understanding between Terrapower, Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce. As KVOE News reported recently, MOU is the latest step in conversations towards a possible “advanced nuclear power plant” and explorations for what’s called the Natrium technology and technical design as a way to help Evergy customers.
The Natrium model involves a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. Output can increase to 500 megawatts of power as needed. This partnership would be in addition to the first Natrium project, which broke ground last year in Wyoming.
During his comments Wednesday, Schreiber noted the potential for this technology and a projected peak demand increase of 132 gigawatts, a little more than the output of 100 Wolfcreeks, “Raised (his) antenna” as he saw it as a great opportunity for Lyon County and the local community.
Schreiber says several advantages play into the area’s favor in terms of acquiring the project, including the support from local higher learning institutions like Flint Hills Technical College. During Wednesday’s meeting, FHTC President Dr. Caron Daugherty noted the college would be in full support of the potential project, noting the college’s powerplant technology program would be a tremendous resource that can help build and sustain a revolving workforce for maintaining and running the reactor.
Schreiber agreed with this, calling it an “Important” piece of the puzzle, adding that the project itself would be a great tool for growing the local workforce as well.
Board members unanimously approved signing the letter of support, as did Emporia city commissioners in a separate vote. Recognizing Wolf Creek may well have the inside track, Commissioner Jamie Sauder says Lyon County has at least one worthwhile site option for the Natrium plant if it comes to Kansas: Evergy’s peak energy plant near Reading.
Besides calling it “a watershed moment” for employment, Sauder also sees direct and longlasting positive impacts for housing and the local hospitality sector.
Sauder also says Emporia stands to benefit for years following construction, even if the Natrium plant goes to another area site.
Schreiber is scheduled to present to Lyon County Commissioners on the same topic next Thursday.
In other business, board members held two executive sessions with no action taken following either. There was also “No update” on the now better than 18-month-long search for a new permanent RDA President following the resignation of Chuck Scott back in early 2024.
According to RDA Board Chair Jeff Williams, the search has “picked up” and “We do have some candidates that have applied”; however, he also says the President Search Committee has not interviewed with a candidate since last month.” Previously, Williams had stated he wanted to have a candidate identified by October; however, with us now midway through the month, he admits that it is very unlikely to happen at this point.
That said, Williams reiterated comments from previous interviews, emphasizing the importance of the search and the need for it not to be rushed.
Back in September, KVOE News asked Williams if he felt the organization was becoming stagnant due to the search, noting that it had been quite a while since any new economic development projects had been announced for the community. Then Williams stated, “I don’t think we are at the point of stagnation yet, but it will happen if we don’t hire somebody.”
With the search now into the final months of the year, KVOE News reiterated the question, asking if stagnation was now a pressing concern. Williams responded:
There is currently no announced next meeting for the President Search Committee. The RDA Board of Directors will reconvene for its next regular meeting in November.
