Reactor at Cook Nuclear Plant getting refueling, maintenance

BRIDGMAN, Mich. (AP) - Officials say a nuclear reactor in southwestern Michigan is being shut down for a refueling and maintenance outage.

Cook Nuclear Plant spokesman Bill Schalk says work during the outage for the Unit 2 reactor will include a $250 million project to replace the reactor's high-pressure turbine and all three low-pressure turbines. The reactor is expected to return to service by the end of the year.

Indiana Michigan Power says the work will ensure reliable power generation for decades.

The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports (http://bit.ly/2dsqffF0 ) that two 40-ton heat exchangers will be replaced during the outage at the plant in Bridgman. Schalk says about 2,500 contracted workers will assist the plant's 1,200 employees during the outage.

The plant's Unit 1 reactor remains in operation.