Dairyland Power Cooperative was designated in April 1961 by the Joint Congressional Atomic Energy Commission as eligible to construct and operate a nuclear-fueled electric power plant as a research and development pilot installation. On June 8, 1962, the Atomic Energy Commission contracted with the Allis-Chalmers Company of Milwaukee to fabricate a 50-megawatt facility, later identified as the La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor, and with Dairyland Power Cooperative for its eventual operation. Construction began in May 1963. On July 11, 1967, at 7:39 in the evening, the reactor achieved its first self-sustaining chain reaction, ushering Wisconsin into the nuclear age. Full power operation was attained on August 1, 1969. After several modifications and numerous tests, the facility was declared operational for commercial use on February 1, 1971, with a firm capacity of 50 megawatts. Dairyland Power Cooperative acquired full ownership of the facility by purchasing it from the Atomic Energy Commission in August 1973.