S. Idaho County to Consider Nuclear PLant

December 16, 2008

(The Associated Press)- Officials in Elmore County plan to meet in February to consider a
proposal by developers to build a $4.5 billion nuclear power plant.

Alternate Energy Holdings Inc. filed papers in August asking the
county to rezone 1,400 acres of farm land and allow room for the
1,600 megawatt facility. County commissioners are scheduled to consider the
proposal at a Feb. 11 meeting.

The company initially pursued building a plant in Owyhee County,
but in April shifted its focus to a site in Elmore County on north
bank of the Snake River.

The Elmore County planning and zoning commission declined to
endorse the proposal in October, saying it doesn't fit within the
guidelines of a comprehensive plan.

If county commissioners approve the rezone next year, the company
would then seek a conditional use permit and begin filing its
application to the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.