McLean County Times

Illinois state Rep. Thomas M. Bennett (R-Watseka) recently had an opportunity to tour the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant in Morris.

Bennet shared photos of his tour in a Facebook post this week.

"Thank you for the opportunity for a tour of the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant and a discussion about current and future energy needs for Illinois!" Bennet said in the post. "Very informative! Professional! Focus on safety and continual training! The needs/demands for energy are only going to increase and we must be looking ahead! Time very well spent!"

In March, the U.S. Department of Commerce invested $3.5 million into the work of Illinois Valley Community College's agricultural industry training and referenced the Dresden Nuclear Generating Station, a press release from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) said this week.

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Illinois Valley Community College’s efforts to leverage the agriculture industry to promote job growth,” Alejandra Y. Castillo, assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, said in the release. “This investment will broaden and grow the local economy after layoffs at both the LaSalle County Nuclear Generating Station and Dresden Nuclear Generating Station.”

A Crain's Chicago Business report noted that the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant is the oldest in the state, and while it was slated for closure last fall, Excelon confirmed in January 2022 that they would apply for a 20-year license extension for Dresden.

"The Dresden power plant in Grundy County is the oldest nuclear station still operating in Illinois,” the report said. "The licenses for Dresden's two nukes will expire in 2029 and 2031.”

Excelon had previously pointed to Dresden and other generating plants for closure in 2021.