"Those applications that we expect to come in initially are all from experienced nuclear power plant operators," said Holly Harrington, an agency spokeswoman. "They (Alternate Energy Holdings) haven't come in with any formal paperwork. Not to say that they won't, but they haven't yet."

Alternate Energy Holdings has told the NRC in a letter that it intends to build a plant.

Gillispie said his company has the experience necessary to build the Idaho project.

He points to his board of directors, which includes former nuclear power plant managers, vice presidents of utilities and James Taylor, a former chief operating officer of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission — credentials that have made some industry advocates take notice.

"They (Alternate Energy Holdings) might be small, but they're very enthusiastic, with a lot of drive and ambition," said Adrian Heymer, head of new-plant development at the industry's Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, D.C. "It's got the same chance as some of the other ventures out there."

Gillispie said he expects to get the first $100 million from Cobblestone starting late this year, when his company files its application with the NRC. The project in Idaho is "nearing completion of its local approval process" for a conditional-use permit, according to a company news release on June 14.

Owyhee County officials say that's news to them.

"We sent them an application, but nothing has been submitted to our offices," said Mary Huff, Owyhee County's planning and zoning administrator.