August 24, 2011
New York

City still possible route for wind project

By Christopher Michel, Olean Times Herald, www.oleantimesherald.com 24 August 2011

OLEAN – The proposed 29-turbine wind farm in Allegany by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc. has been the source of much controversy in recent weeks, as many area residents have spoken out against its construction.

Concerns about the project’s ramifications on neighboring communities made their way into the city’s Common Council chambers Tuesday night during discussion initiated by Pat Eaton, Allegany’s town supervisor. At issue was the more than 8,000 truckloads of equipment for the project that could end up traveling through Olean, potentially damaging city streets.

“I’m not here to sell this project – I’m just here to inform,” Mr. Eaton told city officials. “Olean is listed as one of six possible routes for the project’s primary routes.”

Currently, EverPower has its sights set on a route that would take delivery traffic through the town of Carrollton along Church Street and Nichols Run to the wind farm’s location, Mr. Eaton said.

But if the Carrollton route is not approved, Mr. Eaton said the project’s truck traffic may travel through the city along Route 16, taking the delivery traffic down North Union Street.

“I just want to stress to the leadership of Olean, even if the town of Carrollton rejects the road-use agreement, under (Department of Transportation) rules, you cannot stop deliveries,” Mr. Eaton said. “I just want to stress that even if you say no and Carrollton says no, there will be trucks on the road.”

He encouraged city officials to talk with EverPower representatives to negotiate an agreement to protect Olean’s roads during the project’s 18-month duration, similar to one Allegany required in the wind farm’s proposal. Allegany’s road-use agreement sets routes and strict guidelines for deliveries traveling through the town. In addition, the agreement provides for EverPower to maintain and repair the route its deliveries are planned to travel.

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URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/24/city-still-possible-route-for-wind-project/