Zion-area agencies want federal money for old nuclear storage

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Zion-area taxing bodies want compensation for what they say is the detrimental effect of acting as a storage site for 2.2 million pounds of spent fuel rods from the decommissioned nuclear plant along Lake Michigan.

While an ideal solution would be to remove the waste, nearly three dozen entities representing communities, townships, Lake County, city, school, park and library districts, and businesses, regard that as a slim possibility.

Instead, they are asking federal authorities to release funds that could help offset what they describe as the negative social and economic impact of hosting an "interim nuclear storage site" on 400 prime lakefront acres.

Just outside the secure site, Zion Mayor Al Hill was joined by representatives of the various taxing bodies for a Monday news conference to introduce the push. He said individual attempts have been unsuccessful and he hoped a united front -- "which represents thousands and thousands of voters" -- is the best course.

"With the 2010 scuttling of the Yucca Mountain program, we are not naive enough to believe that the rods will be removed," Hill said. "We therefore believe we should be compensated."

The intent is to have federal legislation proposed and adopted by October, he said.

According to the parties, a 1982 federal law required power customers to pay for a fund to compensate communities hosting an "interim nuclear storage site." Under the formula, Zion would be entitled to $15 million annually but has not received any funds.

The letter asks legislators to "aggressively pursue" the original intent of the federal law and propose legislation that would allow Zion to access the funds.

The Zion nuclear plant was built by ComEd between 1968 and 1973, was licensed in 1973, and operated between 1974 and 1998. At the time, the "exciting new adventure" was thought to be good for Zion, Lake County and the country, Hill said.

However, the community knew there would be costs associated with locating the power plant along the lake, including "an eyesore that could never be hidden" and the severe inhibition of lakefront recreational access and development opportunities, he said. The trade-off for jobs and increases in local taxes from the plant came with the understanding the 400 acres would be returned in usable form when the operating license expired, he said.

A letter is being sent to top federal and state officials and candidates for the offices. It is signed by 34 representatives of the local governments, including Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor and mayors of Beach Park, Waukegan and Wadsworth, as well as business interests and others.

According to the letter, Zion has been in a downward spiral with a 46 percent drop in property values, an escalating tax rate and foreclosures without the ability to redevelop the site.

"If you've got spent fuel rods, are you going to spend $300,000 or $400,000 for a condo?" Hill asked after the session.

@dhmickzawislak