March 27, 2013
Massachusetts

No word from state on funding removal of turbines

By Scott A. Giordano | THE BULLETIN | Posted Mar 27, 2013 | www.wickedlocal.com

Falmouth selectmen gave an update March 25 on the town’s plans to dismantle the town’s two turbines located at the Falmouth Wastewater Treatment Facility, known as Wind 1 and Wind 2 – and whether the state will help fund their removal.

“We continue to await word from the state. Our status has not changed since our last report. There is no additional communication from the state authorities we have contacted,” Town Manager Julian Suso said during the Falmouth selectmen meeting.

Suso’s office released preliminary figures estimating it will cost the town about $12-15 million to remove the turbines. These costs include existing debt, removal fees, legal fees, and consulting work.

In addition, special legislation is required to both borrow money to pay removal costs and to potentially refinance tax-exempt bonds in case the turbines are resold to a non-governmental body.

The next meeting between town and state officials is scheduled April 2. Selectmen have scheduled a meeting at 6 p.m. April 4 for them to develop a final warrant article to be published in area newspapers prior to the April 8 Town Meeting and April 9 special Town Meeting

“We’ll continue to update folks as this process moves forward,” Selectmen Chairman Kevin Murphy said. “It’s important that everyone know that we will have to set the ballot by [April 15.]”

Selectmen are planning to meet April 11 to set the ballot for the town election.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/27/no-word-from-state-on-funding-removal-of-turbines/