By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

If the federal government comes through with funding, one of the country’s only uranium enrichment facilities expects to expand.

Centrus Energy announced Thursday morning the expansion of its American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, the only facility in the country producing high-assay, low-enriched uranium.

The expansion is expected to add 300 full-time jobs and 1,000 construction jobs to a county with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

State and federal officials are expected to make the formal announcement Thursday morning.

“The time has come to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale,” Centrus CEO Amir Vexler said. “We are planning a historic, multi-billion-dollar investment right here in Ohio – supported by a nationwide supply chain to do just that. When it comes to powering our energy future, it’s time to stop relying on foreign, state-owned corporations and start investing in American technology, built by American workers.”

The plant is the only American-owned and operated facility to enrich uranium in the U.S. A similar plant in New Mexico is owned by a group of foreign governments and European-based businesses.

Centrus said the expansion is also expected to support hundreds of jobs at the company’s centrifuge manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

Centrus also announced plans to work with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power to invest in the project.

“Today’s announcement is critical, not just for the people of southeast Ohio, but for our nation,” said U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. “Expanding our ability to enrich uranium here in Ohio will continue America’s legacy as the global leader in nuclear development.”

Centrus submitted proposals to the U.S. Department of Energy for potential awards to expand its domestic production. Depending on the federal funds, the company said the expansion represents a multi-billion-dollar public and private investment.

It plans to build centrifuges in Oak Ridge, Tenn., with support of a supply chain that includes 14 major suppliers in 13 states. The centrifuges and other equipment will be sent to Piketon for final assembly, installation and operation.

Pike County’s unemployment rate in August stood at 7.2%, more than 2 percentage points higher than the rest of the state and almost 3 points higher than the country’s. Only five other counties had higher unemployment rates in August.

“In step with President Trump, Centrus is restoring American energy dominance, bringing back energy independence, and creating good American jobs to put our talented workforce to work,” said U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio. “No longer shall our nation lose jobs and risk energy security through reliance on foreign countries. I am confident that the critical work being done right here at Centrus’ Piketon plant will keep Ohio a leader in nuclear energy and usher America into a new golden age of energy production.”