By Alabama Public Radio
Hollywood, AL – The Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Company have extended their agreement to consider developing a new nuclear power plant in northeast Alabama. The original agreement expired last week, but it will be extended for another six months. The groups are exploring the next generation of nuclear reactors at the Bellefonte plant site in Jackson County. If the T-V-A chooses to continue with the project, it will apply to the U-S Nuclear Regulatory Commission for an operating license next year. The permit's approval would likely take about three years.