CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A proposal to replace wind turbines at Mount Storm in Grant County goes before the state Public Service Commission Friday for an evidentiary hearing.
The NedPower plan received positive feedback during a Thursday afternoon public hearing before the PSC.
NedPower Mount Storm LLC, plans to replace the turbines on the wind farm to larger ones in eastern Grant County.
Seven speakers spoke in favor of the project, all giving comments in support of the construction jobs it will create.
The PSC approved the construction of a 300-megawatt electric facility consisting of up to 200 wind turbines IN 2003. NedPower asked the Commission earlier this year to modify the permit to allow them to use larger, but fewer wind turbines. The company would replace 132 of the towering devices and replace them with 78 of the newer models. If approved, NedPower hopes to start construction next July.
Jim Linsenmeyer, an employee at the WV Department of Economic Development who works in the Potomac Highlands and the Eastern Panhandle, said what NedPower wants to do and has done aligns with the goals that the department has.
“Our goals are very simple at the Department of Economic Development, help increase capital investment, increasing the tax base, supports local communities, and increase jobs at or above the median wage, this project checks both of those boxes,” Linsenmeyer said.
North Central Building Trades Council spokesperson Natalie Stone said the project will bring more jobs locally for West Virginians.
“This project will bring much needed jobs to the area,” Stone said. “Mount Storm wind has made a commitment to utilize local workers and pay a livable wage.”
Grant County Chamber of Commerce President Kirk Wilson said that NedPower has provided everything that Grant County wants.
“They have provided jobs and economic growth, there community benefit fund has helped numerous small projects around the county,” Wilson said. “They have supported our schools, both at Union and Maysville.”
Friday’s evidentiary hearing begins at 9:30 a.m.