Dunkirk, N.Y. (WBEN) - Now that Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the New York Power Authority to build a nuclear power plant somewhere in Upstate New York, the City of Dunkirk in Chautauqua County is looking at the potential of re-purposing the NRG plant.
"I think it's an exciting opportunity for this community if it's done properly and if there's a lot of community support for it," said Mayor Kate Wdowiasz with WBEN on Thursday.
"I feel people are split on the issue. They have concerns about safety. But modern nuclear looks very different than it did in the past. There are others who think this is exactly the shot in the arm that the city of Dunkirk's economy needs."
Wdowiasz says after attending a community meeting this week, residents are generally in support of it, but not in their backyard.
The NRG power plant, a coal-fired energy facility, has been shuttered for almost a decade.
On the economic aspect of it, Wdowiasz was asked what it could mean for Dunkirk?
"The loss of the NRG plant took a hit on our economy. I'm thinking about the return of good paying jobs, tax revenue for the city, and new housing that could be developed," she said.
The NRG plant occupies 65 acres on Dunkirk Harbor. There is residential housing located nearby. The housing was already developed when NRG was operating.
It's Wdowiasz's understanding that the New York Power Authority is seeking interest in the project from communities. They are also looking for a developer.
"We already have a plant here. We would love to bring NRG to the table and have a collaboration with NRG or have NRG sell to another developer, if this is what the community would like," Wdowiasz added.
Would Dunkirk residents receive some kind of energy break, if the plant is located there?
"That's a very good question, but I don't know at this time," Wdowiasz said.
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