Quad Cities Generating Station is a dual unit Boiling Water Reactor nuclear power station located in Cordova, Illinois. The station is built on 765-acre site along the Mississippi River. Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in of 1972 and 1973, respectively. The initial construction cost for the station was $250 million.
Both of Quad Cities’ units were designed and built by General Electric Company. Unit 1 is capable of producing 866 net megawatts, and Unit 2 is capable of producing 871 net megawatts. This combined production is enough to support the electricity needs of more than 1 million average American homes. Quad Cities’ Site Vice President is Tim Tulon. The Plant Manager is Randy Gideon.
Emergency Planning:
Quad Cities employs a sophisticated emergency plan to protect public health and safety. Both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the State of Illinois have approved the plan. The emergency plan includes multiple annual drills and test, which requires coordination with local countries, municipalities and school districts in the four counties that comprise the 10-mile radius of the plant. This includes areas in both Illinois and Iowa.
Supporting the Local Economy:
Quad Cities has about 657 Exelon employees not including contractors. The station’s annual payroll is approximately $57 million. Additionally, during refuel outages, Quad Cities’ employs several hundred temporary contractors, who boost the local economy by millions of dollars during their stay.
Exelon pays local real estate taxes totaling approximately $4 million every year to support county and township government, area schools, libraries, park districts, and other taxing bodies.
Community Involvement:
Quad Cities’ goal is to be a good neighbor and is very active in the local community. The station sponsors several community events, including the Quad City Air Show, Steamer Shootout Class ‘A’ Summer Basketball Tournament, Mississippi River Clean-up, and the Great River Tug. The station also sponsors numerous community events and youth sports teams.
Quad Cities’ employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities. Station employees donate over $150,000 annually to local United Way chapters. The station has been repeatedly recognized as a area leader by the United Way of the Quad Cities. The station also sponsors multiple blood drives throughout the year, helping area blood bank supply the needs of local hospitals.
The station also runs food, toy, and fundraiser drives to support various community groups and agencies. The station sponsor’s two children’s summer reading programs at local public libraries.
The station is a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and the River City Rotary and remains active in many local community projects and civic events.
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