September 23, 2010
Vermont

PSB holding hearing on controversial Lowell wind farm

WCAX News, www.wcax.com 23 September 2010

The public will get a chance to voice their concerns tonight on plans to build the state’s largest wind farm.

On Town Meeting Day, voters in Lowell approved a the Kingdom Community Wind Project, which would raise 21 turbines on a local ridgeline. However, controversy continues to build around the project, with opponents arguing Green Mountain Power’s project would harm the environment and ruin the ridgelines. There are also allegations that voters were misled about how much of the cost they would have to shoulder in taxes. Many say they were led to believe all the money from the host town agreement would completely offset Lowell’s municipal tax burden, but the current deal has half that money going into a fund that can be used at the Select Board’s discretion.

Now Green Mountain Power is seeking a certificate of public good, which it needs to start construction. Before the Public Service Board grants it, officials want to hear from residents first.

A site tour leaves at noon today from the Lowell Bowling Alley. It’s open to the public and will make nine stops in Lowell, Albany, Eden, and Craftsbury, all places that are believed will be affected by the project.

The hearing starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Lowell Graded School at 52 Gelo Park Road. The public is invited to come and comment.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/09/23/psb-holding-hearing-on-controversial-lowell-wind-farm/