• Gabe Semenza •
• Originally published July 7, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., updated July 7, 2009 at 10:10 p.m.

Bill Harris on Tuesday reinforced Exelon Nuclear's new message: It delays its decision to build locally because of the economy.

"What this is about is money. It's not about water," the Victoria-based nuclear company spokesman said. "If the economy changes, we can move forward with the least pain possible."

Harris spoke to a packed house of business and government leaders during a Victoria Partnership meeting at the 700 Main Center.

Exelon planned to decide by early next year whether to build a Victoria County plant. Citing the sluggish economy and a lack of federal loan guarantees, Exelon instead pushed that decision back for at least three years - and possibly as many as 20.

Nuclear critics were quick to suggest this year's drought played a part in the water-dependent company's plans.

The stressed Guadalupe River, critics say, can't support a nuclear power plant with current and future demands accounted for. Drought further punctuates that point, they say.

"There is adequate water," Harris emphasized.

Exelon left the door open to building locally. The company filed an early site permit. Much of the data collected for the permit can be used toward a building license, should the company one day opt to break ground.

County Judge Don Pozzi said he hopes the company does.

"Obviously, we all feel disappointed by the delay. We've done a great deal of work," Pozzi said. "I'm optimistic that some day Exelon will build a plant in Victoria County. If we don't use that water, I promise you it's going to go away."

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