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Department of Energy Reindustrialization Grant

      

Paducah is a hub for advanced energy and technology innovation supported by strong collaboration and a shared commitment among our stakeholders

www.innovatewky.com for more information

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The Paducah Chamber received a $2 million grant in 2023 to lead a multi-year reindustrialization study for the Paducah Department of Energy site that ceased production in 2014 and is currently in a clean up phase expected to continue until about 2060. This reindustrialization study is identifying new opportunities that can happen now at the site to move our community into a new energy renaissance and not be solely focused on clean-up of the site. This has shown our Chamber to be proactive to lead a transformative community project and collaborate with DOE as well as many other local and national businesses and organizations. 

  • The goal of the Reindustrialization Study is to develop a Road Map for the future of the DOE Paducah Site. 
  • The Study will define Paducah’s needs and vision based on collaboration with community partners and stakeholders. 
  • General Matter and Global Laser Enrichment have both announced plans to locate at the site. 
  • The Paducah site is one of four that DOE has engaged for locating an AI/Data Center.

 

A message from Tim Walsh, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Environmental Management at the U.S. Department of Energy

DOE Site Key Facts

  • Major employer since the 1950s with at times over 2,000 employees
  • DOE property covers 3,600 acres
  • Uranium Enrichment Operations began in 1952 - DOE announced they would cease operations in 2014
  • Deactivation of the facilities began in 2014 to prepare for demolition
  • Reindustrialization study began in late 2023
DOE Site Key Facts

Study Timeline

2023

  • Grant Awarded to Paducah Chamber from DOE
  • Plans begin to develop a Road Map to the Future
  • Began evaluation of site infrastructure
  • Captured lessons learned from Portsmouth, OH and Oak Ridge, TN

2024

  • Established Working Groups with regular meetings held
  • Launched Economic Development Pipeline
  • Issued first Land Transfer Request to DOE
  • Developed Site Vision

2025

  • Completed the original study
  • Pivoted to new DOE strategy
  • Communicated the Road Map
  • Assisted with recruitment of new companies

NOW

  • Received a no-cost extension to original grant to include new strategy
  • Awarded an amendment and additional funding to complete a Master Plan of the site over next 18 months