Governor Gregoire approves new wind farm in Kittitas County

We just received good news from the Governor's Office:

Gov. Christine Gregoire today approved plans for a wind farm in Kittitas County that will provide clean energy for Washingtonians while boosting the local economy by bringing in jobs and tax dollars.

The Wild Horse Wind Farm is a collaborative effort between Zilkha Renewable Energy and Puget Sound Energy. Zilkha is developing the project; Puget Sound Energy has agreed to purchase and operate the wind farm once it is completed. The facility is planned for land northeast of Ellensburg.

"This is a terrific project because it combines economic development and environmental stewardship," Gov. Gregoire said. "The wind farm will use cutting-edge technology to bring money and jobs to the community while providing clean and affordable energy."

After thorough review this spring, the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council unanimously recommended approval of the project. The Kittitas County Commissioners also approved it. By signing the site agreement certificate in Ellensburg today, the governor gave final approval to Zilkha's application, giving the company the green light to move ahead.

Construction could begin as soon as this fall, and will take about 12-15 months to complete. The project is expected to put up to 250 people to work. Once it's operational, about 14 permanent positions will be needed to run the wind farm.

NPI applauds this move and this project. This is a clear investment in clean, renewable energy that will diversify our power source without polluting the environment.

More details on the plan:

Plans call for between 104 and 158 wind turbine generators at the site. They will produce up to 312 megawatts of electricity - enough to power as many as 100,000 homes. Because that power comes from wind, the new facility will have little or no impact on air quality, water or climate.

"The Wild Horse project will help us secure environmentally friendly energy for our customers at a stable price and limit exposure to the volatile energy market," said Stephen P. Reynolds, chairman, president and CEO of Puget Sound Energy.

"Wild Horse, along with our Hopkins Ridge Wind Project, will enable us to supply nearly 5 percent of our customers' total electricity needs by 2013 with clean, renewable energy."

"We're delighted this project will benefit Kittitas County with new family-wage jobs and additional sources of revenue," Reynolds added.

The Wild Horse Wind Farm will add more than $4.5 million to the local economy and is expected to become Kittitas County's largest single taxpayer.

The project site is several thousand acres of shrub-steppe habitat, some of which is owned by the state Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife. It is estimated that the agencies will receive more than $300,000 a year in royalties for use of the property. Those funds will go toward supporting wildlife protection efforts and public schools.

All parties involved in this project should be commended for working together to make a difference for our environment.