ML24064A192

Federal Funding for the Conversion of the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor from Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel

ML24064A192
Person / Time
Site:	University of Missouri-Columbia
Issue date:	03/01/2024
From:	Astrino R, Sanford M Univ of Missouri - Columbia
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Document Control Desk
References
Download: ML24064A192 (1)

Text

March O 1, 2024 ATTN: Document Control Desk U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-0001

SUBJECT:

Docket Number No. 50-186 University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor Renewed Facility Operating License No. R-103 Federal Funding for the Conversion of the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor from Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel to Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Enclosed is a copy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Material Management and Minimization, letter stating Federal funding under the DOE's University Research Reactor Infrastructure Program for the conversion of the University of Missouri-Columbia Research Reactor (MURR) from highly-enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel will not be available during fiscal year 2024.

Sincerely, Ronald M. Astrino Reactor Manager cc:

Reactor Advisory Committee Reactor Safety Subcommittee ENDORSEMENT:

Reviewed and Approved Matthew R. Sanford Reactor Facility Director Dr. Thomas Spencer, Vice Chancellor, Division of Research, Innovation & Impact Mr. Geoffrey Wertz, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mr. Andrew Waugh, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Enclosure:

1. DOE Letter to MURR Regarding Conversion Funding, dated March 1, 2023

Mr. Matt Sanford Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Adm inistration Washington, DC 20585 March 1, 2024 University of Missouri - Columbia Research Reactor Facility Columbia, MO 65211

Dear Mr. Sanford:

N;."5>1 Nation* / Nuclear Security Administration In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64, Limitations on the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Domestic Non-Power Reactors, the University of Missouri's Research Reactor (MURR) is required to send a letter annually to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission documenting if Federal funds are available to conve1i to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel.

In accordance with 10 CFR 50.64, you are hereby notified that Department of Energy funding will not be available in fiscal year 2024 to complete the conversion of MURR to LEU fuel. While significant funds are being invested to qualify a new LEU fuel that will meet MURR' s performance requirements and support the conversion of MURR, an acceptable LEU fuel is not currently available.

You will be notified in the event these circumstances change. If you have any questions, please contact me at my office number, (202) 287-6726.

cc: Joanie Dix, NA-231 Vic Pearson, DOE-ID Sincerely, Brian Waud Team Lead, Office of Conversion Office of Material Management & Minimization Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation