Regulators approve plan to repair Neb. nuke plant

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Federal regulators approve the Omaha Public Power District's plan to repair and restart its Fort Calhoun nuclear power plant.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a letter Friday approving OPPD's plan with a few suggested changes.

Fort Calhoun, which is about 20 miles north of Omaha, has been shut down since April. It was initially down for refueling, but flooding along the Missouri River forced the plant to remain shut down.

Floodwaters surrounded the plant for much of the summer, but the heart of the plant remained dry inside.

A number of repairs and some maintenance must be completed before the plant can restart. OPPD submitted a detailed plan for restarting Fort Calhoun last month.

Utility officials and regulators say they will make sure the plant is safe before restarting.