The U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office published its first set of Community Benefits Plans, which included the Holtec Palisades plant.

This plan, as part of the DOE Loan application process, points out Holtec’s commitment to Southwest Michigan as well as highlights the benefits of the restart.

Holtec’s government affairs and communications manager Nick Culp says the plan includes a number of things including the labor aspect.

“It highlights our commitment to the community, both on the hiring side, as well as the long-term benefits that the plant will bring, in terms of reliable energy, helping mitigate climate change. It’s all building toward that effort.”

In addition, Holtec is committed to working with educational institutions like Covert Public Schools, Lake Michigan College, and Van Buren Intermediate School District to invest in the local workforce and build a clean energy jobs pipeline, as well as grow a local tax base.

“We know in most nuclear power plant communities, the plant is one of the largest, if not the largest taxpayer. So to bring Palisades back online, we’ll expect to see our tax revenues increase locally. That’s a primary benefit to Covert Township and that has a tremendous social benefit.”

Culp tells us this plan helps benefit the Palisades restart, which is on track to reopen in the fourth quarter of next year.