Wind project could generate benefits

Published: Thursday, Oct. 15 2009 12:00 a.m. MDT

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.

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Win-win project

It's good to read about progress in Utah.

8:15 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009
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Wind Good?

If wind power is so great and going to save the planet, why won't the government get out of the way and let them build it already? Why all these studies and impact statements? Get the electricity flowing, people!

4:39 p.m. Oct. 15, 2009
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Electricity is regulated

@Wind Good? The challenge is that the government can't get out of the way because electricity is regulated. Consumers have no choice but to buy whatever power is generated by your regulated monopoly provider (e.g., Rocky Mountain Power, UAMPS, More..

7:50 p.m. Oct. 15, 2009
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