Highland New Wind Development LLC has broken ground on its 38 MW project in western Highland County, Va., after final permits were issued.
‘For many years, I looked forward to helping the environment and the Highland community, while preserving our family's land for future generations,’ says Henry T. McBride, owner of the land where the wind project is being built. ‘Development of this wind project will achieve each of these goals, as well as open new doors for renewable projects in Virginia.’
Early construction activities include road building, site and foundation preparation, and installation of construction entrances and of erosion and sediment control.
The $80 million project, started in 2002 by McBride on 220 acres of his own land near the Virginia-West Virginia border, will use 19 Gamesa G87 wind turbines. The project is also expected to provide as much as $200,000 per year in tax revenue for the county.
Financing and power purchase agreements are still being negotiated on the project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2010.
SOURCE: Highland New Wind Development LLC
