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The odds of Dunkirk being able to host a nuclear facility if it wants to is increasing.
During the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency meeting, Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise noted there were eight communities across the state that submitted an application to host one new nuclear facility to be constructed in the state.
Now, he said, the state is actually eyeing constructing five nuclear facilities.
Geise said one of the sites has been selected. That was Fort Drum.
"That leaves four more of the seven communities that are in (consideration). That's pretty good odds," he said to the IDA Board of Directors.
Geise also noted how earlier this fall Jamestown Community College was awarded a $1.29 million nuclear workforce grant. The funds will support the development of a three‑course nuclear manufacturing micro‑credential and a welder certification‑based training pathway, both of which will integrate nuclear content into welding, mechatronics, and engineering programs. The award also covers career services, materials, and certification-related costs.
"I think if we play our cards right and keep this thing moving this (application) forward, there's a good chance that it could happen. I truly believe this would be in the best interest of everyone," Geise said. "I know there's going to be pushback but I just hope that if we do it right and we really get the information out there and we're really transparent, that ultimately the community will be in favor of this and we'll move this thing forward because it could be a game-changer for the north county."
To that end, Geise said he would like to see a "Nuclear 101" type event for the community at large, where energy experts would be brought in to discuss the various aspects of nuclear energy. "We would answer questions and dispel some bogus rumors of information," he said.
Over the summer, a nuclear energy forum was held at SUNY Fredonia for elected leaders and business owners, where the "ins and outs" of nuclear energy was discussed. Geise said he envisions something like that again, but this time for the general public.
In June 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul called on the New York Power Authority to develop at least 1 GW of nuclear capacity in upstate to address growing reliability, affordability and clean energy capacity concerns.
Dunkirk's Planning and Development Director at the time Vince DeJoy submitted an application on behalf of the city six months later. Chautauqua County and city of Dunkirk officials have focused on a repurposing of the former NRG power plant near Point Gratiot as a possibility for the nuclear project.