Japan nuclear disaster troubles few near growing Georgia plant

USA Today - A nuclear plant disaster in Japan has done little to change the thinking about nuclear energy in Waynesboro, Ga., where the USA's first nuclear power plant construction in decades is planned.

Mayor George DeLoach, 70, says people in Waynesboro trust Southern Co., which is expanding its Albert W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant from two nuclear reactors to four.

"We have a lot of confidence in the Southern Co.," says DeLoach, who is in his 16th year as mayor. "The plant is over 20 years old. It's been operating since the late '80s and we haven't had a serious accident or complaint out there. They do a great job."

In Shell Bluff, the view isn't as charitable, according to the Rev. Charles Utley, pastor of McElmurray Spring Branch Baptist Church, which is about 5 miles from the plant in rural Burke County.

"There is great concern," Utley says. "There has been a lot of talk about it. The situation in Japan has increased their interest, especially in the design of it. We're planning a meeting of residents to work on a strategy." Read more.

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