TAFT CALLS USEC DECISION A MAJOR VICTORY FOR PIKETON, SOUTHERN
OHIO
COLUMBUS (December 4, 2002) - Governor Bob Taft today joined Nick Timbers, President & CEO of the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), in announcing that Piketon has been selected for a $50 million advanced gas centrifuge technology test plant. The project will create 50 new jobs with salaries in excess of $55,000 and positions the community well for a $1 billion full scale commercial plant which would bring in an additional 500 jobs later this decade.
"Today's decision is thanks to the quality workforce in the region, the united efforts of the Ohio Congressional Delegation, local leaders and officials in my administration as well as an outstanding display of community support," said Governor Taft.
Governor Taft assembled a team in June of this year to aggressively pursue USEC's plan to deploy new uranium enrichment technology in Piketon's centrifuge buildings which were constructed by the federal government in the 1980's. The Governor himself worked closely with Ohio's congressional delegation, especially Representative Rob Portman and Senators Voinovich and DeWine, to secure federal funds to prepare the buildings for this project. They frequently interacted and communicated with Timbers during the process.
"Ohio now becomes the flagship of USEC's enterprise," added Taft. He added that he contended all along that selecting Piketon allows for USEC to save money and time allowing for the company to accelerate its deployment schedule and meeting customer demand.
Taft recognized those who assisted the state in developing the successful proposal. They included the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI), PACE Local 5-689, Tetra Tech, as well as the county commissioners, township trustees, school district officials, and the chamber of commerce in Pike County.
# # #
Contact: Joe Andrews, Governor's Office (614) 644-0957.