LURC to take up final wind farm plan

Lewiston Sun Journal

By Donna M. Perry , Staff Writer
Monday, July 7, 2008

The Maine Land Use Regulation Commission will take up TransCanada's proposed final development plan for a 44-turbine, 132-megawatt commercial wind power project in northern Franklin County when it meets Wednesday in Orono.

Commissioners approved a preliminary development plan and rezoning petition more than 2,000 acres for the proposed wind farm on Kibby Mountain and Kibby Range in Kibby and Skinner townships in March. In addition there are proposed power transmission lines, support structures and new roads.

The estimated cost of the development is $270 million, of which the turbines would constitute $166 million, the transmission line $20 million, and the remainder would be for the collector line system and substation, $15 million, turbine foundation sand turbine installation, $18 million, roads, $28 million, and other indirect costs, $23 million.

LURC staff is recommending the commission approve the final development plan with conditions detailed in the permit.

LURC will take up the plan at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Best Western Black Beer Inn at 4 Godrey Drive in Orono.