LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Arkansas lawmakers on Thursday received the results of a study outlining the feasibility of adding additional nuclear power to the state, and a site in Northwest Arkansas was mentioned.
The 533-page report, conducted by Maryland-based Excel Services Corporation, identified six areas in the state that could be candidates for future nuclear power development:
- Flint Creek in Benton County
- Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville (Pope County)
- Central Arkansas, including areas south and southwest of Little Rock
- Southwest Arkansas near Camden
- Phillips County near West Helena
- Craighead County in northeast Arkansas
The report noted that sites in the east and northeast parts of the state would require additional review due to their proximity to the New Madrid fault line.
Brian Meadors, the executive vice president of legislative initiatives for EXCEL Services Corporation, told the Joint Committee on Energy that Flint Creek in Benton County should not be the “first target” for nuclear development, citing both water and transmission constraints…