Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station. . Dairyland Power Cooperative in April of 1961, was designated by the Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Commission as eligible to construct and operate a nuclear-fueled electric power plant as a research and development pilot installation. On June 8, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission entered into a contract with the Allis-Chalmers Company of Milwaukee for the fabrication of a 50-megawatt facility, now identified as the La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (LACBWR), and with Dairyland Power Cooperative for its eventual operation. Construction began in May of 1963. On July 11, 1967, at 7:39 in the evening, the reactor achieved its first self-sustaining chain reaction, which ushered Wisconsin into the nuclear age. Operation at full power level was attained on August 1, 1969. After several modifications and numerous tests, it was declared operational for commercial use on February 1, 1971, with a firm capacity of 50 megawatts. Dairyland Power Cooperative acquired full ownership of this nuclear-fueled electric generating facility by its purchase from the Atomic Energy Commission in August of 1973.
Dairyland Power Cooperative in April of 1961, was designated by the Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Commission as eligible to construct and operate a nuclear-fueled electric power plant as a research and development pilot installation. On June 8, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission entered into a contract with the Allis-Chalmers Company of Milwaukee for the fabrication of a 50-megawatt facility, now identified as the La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (LACBWR), and with Dairyland Power Cooperative for its eventual operation. Construction began in May of 1963. On July 11, 1967, at 7:39 in the evening, the reactor achieved its first self-sustaining chain reaction, which ushered Wisconsin into the nuclear age. Operation at full power level was attained on August 1, 1969. After several modifications and numerous tests, it was declared operational for commercial use on February 1, 1971, with a firm capacity of 50 megawatts. Dairyland Power Cooperative acquired full ownership of this nuclear-fueled electric generating facility by its purchase from the Atomic Energy Commission in August of 1973.
Erected 1976 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 223.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 43° 33.591′ N, 91° 13.798′ W. Marker was near Genoa, Wisconsin, in Vernon County. Marker could be reached from Great River Road (State Highway 35) 0.8 miles south of Main Street (State Highway 56), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Genoa WI 54632, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This 1976 marker was located at the power plant. A revised
October 12, 2008
2. Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station Marker
2008 marker at a new location ½ mile north of the power plant resolved security concerns associated with having a public-access marker on Dairyland property.
3. Wisconsin's First Nuclear-Fueled Electric Generating Station
Dairyland Power Cooperative
Genoa Generating Site
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,275 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2009. 3. submitted on October 23, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
