08/17/06 BLM approves wind project

Developers of a proposed Cotterel Mountain wind energy project have cleared a major hurdle. After environmental review the Bureau of Land Management has given its approval to the 98 turbines on a ridge five miles east of Albion in Cassia County. The 200 megawatt project on 45 hundred acres of BLM managed land will produce enough electricity to supply 50 thousand homes. Windland Development spokesman Mike Heckler says before anything else can happen they have to finalize a contract for the sale of the power. HECKLER "We're hoping build Cotterel out in 2008, build the wind farm and have it operating at that time but we still have to close on the contracts." That could mean some road construction work next summer. Once the roads are in work will begin on turbine installation which Heckler believes will be started and completed in 2008. HECKLER "And depending on the particular turbine used that could mean a total expenditure of 250 to say 325 million dollars." Cotterel will be the largest wind energy project on federal land in the last 25 years. The right of way grant includes measures to mitigate the wind farm impacts on wildlife like sage grouse, raptors or migratory birds. HECKLER "They have provisions to have us adapt the way we operate if there are any impacts." More to the story on Monday. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott