**GAO-07-923**                      Published: Jul 19, 2007. Publicly Released: Jul 26, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

In 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine destroyed the reactor building and released massive amounts of radioactive contamination. A temporary shelter was built over the damaged reactor to prevent further contamination. The United States is a major donor to an international project to build a new shelter to replace the existing one, which is badly deteriorating. GAO was asked to (1) assess the progress toward completing the new shelter, (2) review the cost estimates to complete the project, and (3) assess the U.S. role in overseeing and funding the project. To carry out its work, GAO analyzed program documents, interviewed U.S. and international program officials, and visited the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

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## Topics

Energy

Cost analysisCost overrunsForeign governmentsFunds managementInternational cooperationNuclear reactorsProgram evaluationProgram managementRadiation accidentsSchedule slippages

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