Areas that host nuclear power plants face a wide range of economic and political challenges when the facility ceases operations or relocates out of town. Regardless of a facility’s decommissioning status, every host community can benefit from engaging in long-term economic resilience strategies as early as they can. Assistance is available to prepare for a more resilient future for your community!
CCLR is partnering with Smart Growth America, the Nuclear Decommissioning Collaborative, and the National Association of Development Organizations to support nuclear communities in their journey toward a diverse and prosperous economic future.
The team provides holistic assistance based on each community’s context, analyzing possible avenues for economic diversification – a critical element to future sustainability. Additionally, CCLR helps to facilitate the first Community of Practice, specifically designed to provide a space for nuclear host community leaders, planners, and other involved stakeholders to build relationships with other communities and collaborate on long-term planning approaches for their municipality and region.
This effort utilizes federal funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Direct Technical Assistance
Technical assistance – provided at no cost – is available to any communities in the region of a nuclear power plant which are or will experience the impacts of a plant closure. The team is available to help with a range of different needs.
It’s never too early to start planning!
- Evaluating the economic impacts of a nuclear power plant
- Exploring the assets in your community and identify projects to build on your strengths
- Making connections to federal funding opportunities
- Engaging stakeholders in community visioning
- Providing support on a range of redevelopment topics, and more
What We Do
Get the latest nuclear news, resources, and funding opportunities delivered to your inbox.
U.S. EDA has $26.5M available for nuclear communities through its Economic Adjustment Assistance program.
Send your questions to the technical assistance team here. We want to hear from you about what’s happening in your community!
Program Impact
Featured Expert
Joelle Greenland, AICP has over 15 years of planning experience in managing complex redevelopment projects which stimulate economic development. Her projects have earned local, regional, and national recognition including a EPA Region 8 Phoenix Award. As part of the Technical Assistance for Nuclear Communities program, Joelle has helped facilitate impactful Community of Practice meetings with nuclear communities to share practical lessons and insights.
Diversification is one of the most effective ways to increase long-term economic resilience. Beyond the devastating effects on the community, economic disasters can present an opportunity for change by highlighting over-dependence on a single industry sector and motivating local leaders and planners to invest in the long-term resiliency of their community.
Learn more about the process of nuclear closure, including its local economic impact, the decommissioning process, and site redevelopment, from Jim Hamilton, Executive Director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Collaborative.
In May 2020, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced funding for its Nuclear Closure Communities (NCC) program. These competitive resources are available to build capacity and support regions in a variety of ways, no matter if the plant is currently in operation, has announced closure, or is already shuttered. Learn more about how communities are utilizing this resource in the award snapshots.
