A reference to eagles fishing the Snake River should please everyone
The Idaho Business Review (IBR) reports that the new Areva uranium enrichment plant to be built 18 miles west of Idaho Falls has a name. The $2 billion facility will be called the Eagle Rock Uranium Enrichment Facility. Areva made the announcement in Idaho Falls with a full page advertisement in the Idaho Falls Post Register.
Eagle Rock was the original name of Idaho Falls in the 19th century after the great birds of prey who hunted for fish along the lava rock falls located in what is now the center of town. Eagles can still be spotted over Idaho Falls today, and an occasional mating dance in the skies over town is a thrill to behold. You can see the Idaho Falls today live on this web cam.
Symbols of History
According to IBR an Areva spokesperson said,
“This name was selected for several reasons. It includes the American symbol of strength – the eagle – and envisions the strength of America as we move towards greater clean energy security, while the rock represents a symbol of endurance and quality.”
AREVA President Michael McMurphy was quoted by IBR based on a release from the company recognizing the historical significance of the name.
“Most of all, the name embodies an important connection with the history of Idaho Falls.”
IBR reported that company spokesman Jarret Adams said the decision to name the facility Eagle Rock originated with the facility’s project team, and went all the way to CEO Anne Lauvergeon, who “really liked it.”
Jobs come with the name
Construction of the plant, which is slated to begin in 2011, will employ up to 1,000 people, and the permanent workforce will be 250 people. Areva is now in the process of applying for an NRC license and, as one of its first steps, has hired a subcontractor to prepare some of the environmental studies needed for it.
Areva has indicated to economic development groups it plans to ask its some of its suppliers to build their infrastructure near the plant, which should bring more jobs to the area. Also, the company reportedly told Department of Energy officials in Washington, DC, who run the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), that cooperative relationships with the nuclear energy programs there would be welcome.
Areva executive Sam Shakir will be in Idaho Falls on August 21st to speak to a breakfast meeting of business and civic leaders about progress with the plant. Contact the Partnership for Science & Technology at Tel: 208-313-4166 for details.
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