The University of Kentucky Research announced Oct. 29 that Ballard and McCracken counties have been designated Nuclear-Ready Communities by the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA), according to the announcement.
The designation recognizes Kentucky communities that have completed local nuclear-energy education activities, identified qualifying development sites and taken formal local action expressing readiness for potential nuclear energy-related projects, the announcement said. It said both counties completed the requirements established by Kentucky law and KNEDA.
The designation does not approve a specific nuclear project or site, the announcement said. Instead, it recognizes completion of the requirements for Nuclear-Ready Community status and is intended to help communities prepare for future opportunities related to Kentucky’s nuclear energy ecosystem, according to UK Research.
The Kentucky General Assembly established KNEDA in 2024, and the authority is administratively attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, the announcement said. It described KNEDA as a nonregulatory state agency that supports nuclear energy development and community engagement.
The announcement did not provide a project timeline, a proposed site, or local contact information.
