Transparency and public education are emphasized
Lewis County Fiscal Court unanimously approved a resolution Monday beginning the county’s participation in Kentucky’s Nuclear Energy Ready Community certification process, launching what officials emphasized will be a public education effort rather than approval of any nuclear facility.
The resolution was approved on a motion by Judge Executive George Sparks, seconded by Magistrate Mark Horsley.
Before the vote, Magistrate Woody Underwood questioned whether the resolution should be tabled to allow additional discussion. No motion to table was made, and the court later unanimously approved the resolution.
Kevin Cornette, executive director of the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, told magistrates that Lewis County is the first of the district’s five counties to begin the certification process. He repeatedly stressed that Monday’s action does not authorize a nuclear power plant or any specific project, but rather begins a public education and community engagement process to help residents make informed decisions about future economic development opportunities.
“Our goal is simple,” Cornette said. “We want to ensure that Lewis County’s citizens, elected officials, businesses, educators, and community organizations have access to factual information so they can make informed decisions about the future of their community. This initiative is about education, transparency, and engagement.”
Cornette said state officials are expected to visit Lewis County in the first part of August to conduct the required first public educational meeting. He said he wanted fiscal court to act now so there would be adequate time to advertise and promote the meeting.
The Nuclear Energy Ready Community program, administered through the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, encourages communities to evaluate future opportunities involving advanced nuclear energy, manufacturing, workforce development and supply chain industries. Participation is voluntary.
Communities seeking certification must hold public educational meetings that cover advanced nuclear technology, safety standards, economic impacts, workforce opportunities, and the nuclear supply chain. Documentation of those meetings, along with public notices and attendance records, must be submitted before certification can be considered. Any future nuclear project would also remain subject to federal oversight by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including environmental reviews, licensing requirements, and additional public input.
Cornette said residents should not view Monday’s vote as approval of a future reactor project.
“This effort is not about recruiting or approving a specific project. Rather, it is about ensuring our community is informed and engaged before projects are ever proposed. Too often, communities find themselves reacting to opportunities after they have already developed. We believe the best approach is to educate our citizens early, answer questions openly, and invite everyone to participate throughout the entire planning process. An informed community is an empowered community.”
The resolution adopted by the Fiscal Court states that Lewis County wishes to position itself for potential long-term economic opportunities, including workforce training, skilled trades employment, manufacturing, supply chain participation, infrastructure investment and research partnerships.
It also states that adoption of the resolution does not constitute approval of any specific nuclear project, does not commit the county to provide tax incentives or public funding, does not automatically approve zoning or land-use actions, and does not waive any future environmental or regulatory review. Any future project would still require separate public review and approval.
Cornette said Lewis County possesses several characteristics that could make it attractive for future industrial investment, including its location along the Ohio River, rail transportation, the AA Highway corridor, an available workforce, and access to regional markets. He emphasized that these assets underscore the importance of residents understanding emerging economic and energy trends before decisions are made.
Josh Ball, chief operating officer of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), said the partnership is intended to prepare residents through education rather than advocate for a particular project.
“Preparing our communities for the future begins by preparing our people,” Ball said. “SOAR believes that successful economic development starts with informed communities, strong workforce partnerships, and investments in education. Our work with industry leaders, educational institutions, and regional partners is helping build the workforce needed for tomorrow’s opportunities while ensuring that local communities are active participants in the conversation. We are proud to partner with the Buffalo Trace Area Development District to help provide Lewis County residents with the information, educational resources, and engagement opportunities they deserve as they consider what the future could hold for their community.”
Cornette said public meetings will continue over the coming months before any Nuclear Energy Ready Community designation can be pursued.
“We want the people of Lewis County to have a seat at the table from the very beginning. By engaging now, we can ensure Lewis County is not left behind as new economic opportunities emerge, while also ensuring our citizens have the knowledge needed to make thoughtful decisions and are never placed in a position where they feel uninformed or taken advantage of. This process is about giving our community a voice, building trust through transparency, and preparing together for whatever opportunities the future may bring.”
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