A Virginia-based company is seeking a huge project from Dominion which could create hundreds of jobs and boost Lynchburg's economy, according to an article in the Lynchburg News & Advance.

Areva is bidding to build a new nuclear reactor for Dominion to use at their Lake Anna plant. Several leaders in Lynchburg’s business community have asked elected officials to support Areva’s bid to be Dominion’s new vendor.

Areva would design the reactor in Lynchburg and build parts for it in Newport News. The project could create 11,000 jobs at the peak of construction and would generate $1 billion in tax revenue.

The deal could boost the economy in the Lynchburg area, which would be great news for all homeowners because it would boost the area's marketability to new residents and increase home values.

"Areva is courting Dominion Energy in hopes of designing and building the first nuclear power reactor in Virginia in 30 years.

If Areva wins the contract for Dominion’s new reactor in Louisa County, the deal could bolster Areva’s ongoing expansion in Lynchburg, which is bringing hundreds of high-paying jobs to the region.

Although Areva and Dominion remain silent on the proposals, local business leaders have spoken out and asked lawmakers to support Areva’s bid.

Some elected officials have told Dominion that Virginia’s economy would strengthen if in-state engineers and manufacturers build the new reactor.

'It’s a major opportunity for the state,' said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th District, while in Lynchburg in August. 'I want to make sure that they fully recognize the potential … to help the state.'

Both Areva and Dominion are major players in the nuclear power business. From facilities in the Lynchburg area Areva makes nuclear fuel and designs new reactors. Dominion operates seven reactors and was one of the first utilities in recent years to request a permit to build a new one.

Dominion is seeking federal approval for a new reactor at its North Anna Power Station northwest of Richmond. That plant has two reactors now. The newest began operating in 1980."

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