Rock Island County backs potential nuclear expansion in Cordova

ROCK ISLAND CO., Ill. (KWQC) - Rock Island County is one of nine Illinois communities to express interest in future nuclear energy development, but county leaders say they are not seeking a new nuclear power plant.

“We are supportive of the expansion of the current nuclear facility there in Cordova,” Rock Island County Administrator Jim Grafton said.

County leaders recently submitted a letter of intent to the state expressing their willingness to support an expansion.

The move comes as Illinois considers its nuclear energy future after lifting its long-standing moratorium on building new nuclear power plants.

Grafton said the existing facility’s performance and available property make Cordova a logical location for future development.

“The nuclear power plant in Cordova has been doing well, and we understand they are near capacity,” Grafton said. “So it makes sense to consider expansion, and they have the ability and the property to do so.”

He said growing electricity demand is another reason the county supports adding more nuclear power.

“I believe that there is a huge demand for energy right now,” Grafton said. “There’s definitely a need for additional power.”

No expansion project has been approved, and county leaders said the proposal remains in its early stages.

Grafton said the existing plant has already provided significant benefits to the county.

“Great employer, great neighbor, excellent taxpayer,” Grafton said. “Great partner for our county.”

He said an expansion could create jobs during construction, operation and maintenance while also generating additional property tax revenue and providing a lasting economic impact for Rock Island County.

Illinois leads the nation in nuclear energy generation, producing roughly half of the state’s electricity from six nuclear power plants.