Johnson County assistant county manager Norris presented a resolution listed in the agenda packet to express the county’s interest in being considered as a potential site for TerraPower’s Natrium advanced nuclear reactor.

Norris told commissioners the resolution is purely an expression of interest and “does not bind the county financially or otherwise in any sort of way,” and that any specific project would require separate governing-body approvals and comprehensive public engagement before proceeding.

Staff referenced a memorandum of understanding between TerraPower, Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce related to site exploration. Norris described project characteristics mentioned in materials: a roughly 345-megawatt Natrium reactor, integrated energy storage up to 500 megawatts and a 400-meter emergency-planning zone. He also cited anticipated employment and tax estimates presented to the board: staff said the project could produce about 1,600 construction jobs and roughly 250 permanent positions, with annual payroll and property-tax revenue estimates in the materials.

Several commissioners asked questions about timing, scope and next steps. Commissioner Myers asked whether multiple Kansas sites were planned; Norris responded the conversation had focused on a single Kansas installation at this stage but that multiple communities were expressing interest. Commissioner Hanseluk asked about a construction and operation timeline; Norris estimated permitting and construction could extend into 2030.

The chair said the item will be placed on the board’s Dec. 11 action agenda to allow for public comment. Staff emphasized the resolution reserves the county’s full regulatory authority and can be changed or withdrawn if new information emerges.

Next steps: the resolution will be on the Dec. 11 action agenda for further discussion and possible adoption, with public engagement opportunities noted by staff.