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Wise County Community Feedback - Phase 1

Introduction
This survey is intended to gather public input regarding the factors that should be considered when evaluating the possibility of bringing an advanced nuclear energy facility to the region. It should take approximately 7-10 minutes to complete. These criteria are framed around community planning and decision-making considerations rather than technical siting factors alone. This process will focus on providing valuable input on what outcomes and community impacts local government should prioritize when evaluating whether an advanced nuclear facility is a good fit for the region.

The results will be used to identify the most important criteria for further evaluation. This survey does not ask whether you support or oppose nuclear energy. Instead, it focuses on what factors you feel should be considered if a facility were to be evaluated in the region.
1.How familiar are you with electricity power generation technologies?
2.How familiar are you with advanced nuclear reactor technologies?
Local governments must consider many factors when evaluating whether an advanced nuclear energy facility could be a good fit for the region. The following questions have been grouped by categories. Please indicate how important you believe each factor listed in each category should be in that evaluation.
3.Economic Development and Jobs Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Creating local jobs paying above median wages
Expanding career opportunities for local residents
Increasing the local tax base and public revenues
Attracting new businesses and industries to the region
Supporting long-term economic growth and diversification
Creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors
4.In your opinion, are there any important economic development criteria that were not included above?
5.Energy Reliability and Community Resilience Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Improving long-term energy reliability
Supporting future economic growth through reliable electricity supply
Increasing the region's energy independence and resilience
Supporting critical facilities during emergencies (hospitals, emergency services, etc.)
Keeping the cost of electricity affordable over the long term
6.In your opinion, are there any important energy reliability criteria that were not included above?
7.Community Compatibility Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Compatibility with existing land uses and community development plans
Protecting property values
Minimizing impacts on tourism and recreation
Preserving the character and identity of the community
Ensuring benefits are shared broadly across the community
8.In your opinion, are there any important community compatibility criteria that were not included above?
9.Workforce and Education Opportunities
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Creating opportunities for workforce training and education
Providing opportunities for local schools, colleges, and universities
Encouraging young people to remain in or return to the region for employment
Supporting development of high-skill, high-wage careers
10.In your opinion, are there any important workforce and education criteria that were not included above?
11.Community Safety and Well-Being Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Protecting public health and safety
Ensuring emergency preparedness and response capabilities
Protecting drinking water resources
Protecting air quality and environmental quality
Maintaining quality of life for local residents
12.In your opinion, are there any important safety criteria that were not included above?
13.Governance and Public Trust Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Ensuring transparency in decision-making
Providing meaningful opportunities for public participation
Ensuring independent oversight and regulatory accountability
Building public trust through access to information
Demonstrating that community concerns are addressed before decisions are made
14.In your opinion, are there any important governance criteria that were not included above?
15.Future-Oriented Considerations Criteria
Not Important
Slightly Important
Moderately Important
Very Important
Extremely Important
Supporting regional competitiveness over the next 20–50 years
Contributing to national energy security
Supporting technological innovation and research opportunities
Positioning the region to benefit from emerging industries
Maintaining flexibility for future community development options
16.In your opinion, are there any important future oriented criteria that were not included above?
17.In your opinion, what is the single biggest concern regarding bringing an advanced nuclear facility to the region?
18.In your opinion, what is the single greatest potential benefit?
19.Please share any additional comments or observations you have about what factors local government should consider when evaluating future energy sources for the county.