PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM.

(a) The office may provide a reimbursement grant from the Texas advanced nuclear development fund under this section for the expenses associated with or required for initial development of an advanced nuclear project in this state.

(b) Expenses that qualify for reimbursement under this section are limited to expenses attributable or allocable to:

(1) technology development, including university technology development;

(2) feasibility studies;

(3) site planning, including conceptual site-specific engineering studies;

(4) front-end engineering design;

(5) site and environmental characterization;

(6) regulatory commission early site permit work;

(7) preparation of the construction permit or license application to the regulatory commission;

(8) developing manufacturing capacity and readiness;

(9) fuel processing, manufacturing, and fabrication activities essential to the fuel cycle supply;

(10) preparation of local, state, and nonregulatory commission federal permits; and

(11) regulatory commission licensing fees.

(c) To be eligible for a reimbursement grant under this section, an applicant must provide with an application proof of incurred expenses described by Subsection (b).

(d) A grant provided under this section may not exceed the lesser of:

(1) 50 percent of the amount of qualifying expenses associated with the project; or

(2) $12.5 million.

(e) The office by rule shall establish procedures for the application for and provision of a grant under this section.