Nuclear refueling adds 800 temporary jobs to economy

The nuclear power plant operated by Ameren is seen at Callaway Energy Center near Fulton in this Fulton Sun file photo.
The nuclear power plant operated by Ameren is seen at Callaway Energy Center near Fulton in this Fulton Sun file photo.

Refueling of the nuclear reactor that starts this week at the Callaway Energy Center has added more than 800 supplemental workers to the economy in Callaway County and Central Missouri.

An Ameren Missouri spokesman said the refueling process will double the number of employees at the plant, which has about 800 full-time employees. Most of the 800 new temporary contract employees also reside in Missouri.

The refueling process is expected to last for several weeks.

Bruce Hackmann, president of the Fulton Area Development Corporation, said Monday the temporary jobs will provide a big boost to the Fulton area's economy.

"Many local businesses have already commented to me that they have noticed a pickup of business since the extra employees arrived earlier at the nuclear plant," Hackmann said.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.