Wind project could generate benefits

A 50-megawatt wind power project in Summit County could generate more than $31 million in economic output to the state during its construction, according to a new study.

The study, released this week by Utah State University and the U.S. Department of Energy, concluded the project could support 51 on-site construction jobs with a total payroll of almost $3 million.

During its first year of operation, a 50-megawatt wind power plant could generate about $150,000 in land lease payments to Summit County landowners. It could also generate more than $800,000 in local property taxes for Summit County, of which more than $631,000 would support the South Summit School District, the study concluded.

The study examines the economic impacts of several scenarios of wind-project installations, ranging in size from 25 megawatts to 130 megawatts, for the Porcupine Ridge area of Summit County.

The report is available at www.windpoweringamerica.gov/pdfs/economic_development/2009/ut_summit_county.pdf.