State Of Montana Approves 15 Wind Turbines Near Martinsdale

Published: 02-May-2009

By: Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

As part of a proposed 300 MW wind farm northeast of Martinsdale, the state of Montana has approved the construction of up to 15 wind turbines on about 3,000 acres of school-trust land. The 58 MW first phase, valued at about $200 million, will include seven to 15 turbines on state land, plus additional turbines on adjacent private land. Construction on the wind farm is expected to commence in 2010.

About 15,558 acres of private land owned by the Martinsdale Hutterite Colony make up the bulk of the wind farm.

“We’re anxious to get it built and up and running,” said Joy Potter, who is managing the project for Houston-based Horizon Wind Energy.

Depending on how many of the 15 turbines are installed, the state could receive between $36,750 and $78,750 in annual payments - 3 percent of the estimated gross revenue, said Clive Rooney, an area manager for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Revenue generated from school-trust land is set aside for public schools. The farm also would increase the property tax base for Wheatland and Meagher counties, Rooney said.