The DOE issued a statement that it will support the FutureGen project with funding. The FutureGen site is in Mattoon, IL. The DOE issued a Record of Decision that clears the way for the FutureGen project to continue with site specific work to further the project development.

A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study of the environmental impact of the project had to be conducted. The DOE has issued the NEPA for the FutureGen project and the project is approved to proceed with construction. The project is estimated to have a total cost of $2.4 billion. The DOE has committed $1 billion in Recovery Act funds for the FutureGen project and the FutureGen Alliance has generated $400 to $600 million. The FutureGen Alliance must seek additional funding to fill the gap between the estimated cost of completion and the funds currently committed.

During the next ten months, the project will conduct further planning and engineering, update its cost estimate and prepare to begin the detailed engineering and construction phase. At the end of this ten month period, a decision will be made to either abandon the project or continue the project. The project will be funded in phases.