First Wind Files Application for 51-MW Wind Project in Maine

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/first-wind-files-application-for-51-mw-wind-project-in-maine

First Wind announced that it has filed a permit application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to build a proposed 51-megawatt (MW) wind project in the town of Oakfield in Aroostook County. The proposed Oakfield Wind project will consist of up to 34 GE 1.5-MW turbines.

Oakfield Wind would be the second project for First Wind in Aroostook County, which owns and operates the 42-MW Mars Hill Wind project. The company said that the Mars Hill project has helped significantly lower taxes for the town's residents and created hundreds jobs for Maine residents during the design, engineering and construction of the project. This new project would likely have a similar impact.

“Maine continues to foster the development of renewable energy, and we are excited to continue work to provide indigenous renewable and clean wind power,” said Matt Kearns, First Wind’s vice president of development for New England. “In addition to its many environmental and renewable energy attributes, the Oakfield Wind project will offer significant economic benefits to the state, Aroostook County, and most importantly to the Oakfield community. We are looking forward to working with members of the community to advance this project.”

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edit: Oakfield is a tiny hardscrabble rural town in northern Maine. This project will mean huge tax benefits for the town.

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