ROANE COUNTY GIVES UPDATES IN THE OCTOBER EDITION OF “THE RUNDOWN”
The Roane County government highlighted significant economic and community developments in this month’s edition of “The Rundown”.
County Executive Wade Creswell reported Governor Lee’s second visit in two months to announce Radiant’s new facility at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) on the Oak Ridge Reservation, where the company will manufacture 50 Kaleidos micro nuclear reactors annually for the U.S. military, investing $280 million and creating 175 high-paying jobs; the project, led by SpaceX co-founder Doug Bernauer, is slated to begin construction early next year.
Over the past three years, state announcements have brought 2,772 new jobs and $7.18 billion in capital investment to the county, positioning it as a hub in the national nuclear resurgence dubbed “Manhattan Project 2.0.”
Additional nuclear projects from companies like Oklo, Kairos Power, and Radiant are in discussion, with informational sessions planned. Community events include Founders Day on November 13 to honor local treasures and a postponed Opioid Council presentation.
Meanwhile, the Roane County Health Department reported 1,409 patient encounters through August, surpassing prior-year performance, and is participating in the statewide FightFluTN campaign with a drive-through flu shot clinic on October 21. The department completed its Community Health Assessment, onboarded new staff, and saw Director Laura Conner receive the prestigious Dr. Alex B. Shipley Award for public health contributions; all programs remain fully operational despite federal shutdowns, with ongoing dental expansion and opioid navigation services supporting 115 individuals through 396 encounters.
