Wind energy developer Gamesa issued a press release stating the company will sponsor an open house and information session for residents interested in learning more about the company’s proposed Sandy Ridge wind farm in Blair and Centre counties.
The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the Tyrone Senior Center, located at 505 West Third Street in Tyrone.
“Our goal is to make sure residents fully understand the scope of the project as they work with local officials to make the best decision for their community,” said Josh Framel, project developer for Sandy Ridge.
Gamesa will provide information that details the project footprint and development process, as well as the variety of studies and permit requirements that go into planning and developing a wind farm in Pennsylvania. Residents who attend will be able to talk one on one with Gamesa representatives to have answered any questions they may have.
Gamesa proposes 25 windmills to generate 50 megawatts of clean electricity, enough to power about 15,000 homes. The majority of the project is divided between Snyder Township in Blair County and Taylor Township in Centre County. Between 10 and 15 of the windmills would be located on Tyrone Borough property on Ice Mountain.
Tyrone Borough currently is soliciting comments on Gamesa’s proposed lease agreement, which would pay $6,000 per windmill over the next 30 years, for a guaranteed minimum payment to the borough between $60,000 and $90,000 annually. The borough authority could use the funds in any way it chooses for the benefit of the local community.
Gamesa also has a new Web site – www.sandyridgewindfarm.com – that features information about the project; facts about the economic potential and environmental benefits of wind energy; a section with questions and answers about wind energy; success stories from another wind farm development; and much more.
For more information about the proposed Sandy Ridge wind farm, visit Gamesa’s Web site at www.sandyridgewindfarm.com.
