Tri-City interests are continuing to watch for a sign of support from Gov. Chris Gregoire to bring a $2 billion uranium enrichment plant proposed by Areva to Richland.

On Monday Franklin County commissioners signed off on a letter urging the governor's support.

"It is our hope Areva ... desires to construct a gas centrifuge enrichment plant in the Tri-City area," said the commissioners' letter to the governor. "This will not be feasible without your support."

The Benton County Commission also will be moving quickly to consider a letter to the governor, said commission Chairman Claude Oliver.

In late February, Areva indicated a recommendation on the location of the site was expected to be made to the Areva executive committee by the end of this month.

Areva is considering building a gas centrifuge facility next to its existing Richland fuel fabrication plant. The centrifuge would be used to enrich uranium for fuel for commercial nuclear power plants.

Areva also is considering sites in Idaho, Ohio, Texas and New Mexico, according to The Associated Press.

Last week, the plant got some high-profile support when Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told the Herald editorial board that the plant would add stable employment to the Tri-City economy. Earlier in the day she had her staff contact the governor's office to discuss her support for the project.

Murray's staff has not heard back from the governor but was not necessarily expecting a follow-up, according to her office.

The governor has not been personally involved in discussions with Areva, said Aaron Toso, her press secretary. However, the Tri-City Development Council and Areva have talked to the governor's policy staff and other state agencies, he said.

Areva's decision to name Richland as a finalist for the plant demonstrates Washington's favorable business climate, Toso said. While the Idaho Legislature has rushed to pass tax incentives to lure Areva to Idaho, TRIDEC has said Washington's current tax structure already matches the incentives that Idaho has proposed.

"Building in the Tri-City area would significantly benefit Areva and our area," said the letter from the Franklin County Commission. "As the Hanford project continues to downsize, it is important to establish private sector enterprise."

The Tri-Cities can offer low-cost water and energy for Areva, the commissioners said. The centrifuge would require 20 megawatts of electricity seven days a week.

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., has supported bringing the plant to Richland, with his staff saying the Tri-Cities has the available land, an experienced nuclear work force in place and understands what the plant would mean economically locally and for the nation's energy needs.

The plant would employ an estimated 700 construction workers and lead to 350 to 400 permanent family-wage jobs.