$1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility coming to Kentucky

PADUCAH, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear is celebrating what he called a major milestone for economic development in Western Kentucky, as General Matter and the American Uranium Enrichment Company move forward with plans to build a $1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility in Paducah.

The project, described as the largest investment in the region’s history, is expected to create 140 high-paying, full-time jobs.

Governor Beshear joined company leaders to mark the signing of a lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for use of the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant site. The next phase of the project will include permitting and licensing.

“This is a significant step forward for Kentucky’s economic development,” Beshear said in a statement.