Small Town News

Project plans change with the wind

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The wind will continue to blow in Rolette County this fall, but it won't be collecting energy.

To say the Border Winds Energy Project has been a long undertaking is an understatement. Rolla Job Development Authority Director, George Youngerman, has been at the forefront of the project for seven years, carefully completing every step along the way. Despite how long the project is taking to come to fruition, Youngerman said it will be worth it.

"My philosophy has been if it takes longer to get it right, it's usually better for the project, " Youngerman stated. "It's unfortunate that it isn't happening this fall, but understandable."

The 'it' Youngerman is referring to is a proposed 100-megawatt capacity wind farm, which could consist of 60 to 70 turbines.

The latest delay in the project is over financial concerns. Ian Witherspoon, Project Manager for Sequoia Energy, attended a Rolette County commissioners meeting last month and indicated there could be a delay in construction. At the meeting, Witherspoon explained the project could start this fall, a contractor has been hired, but wouldn't be completed before winter, forcing crews to stop, leave, and have to come back in the spring. The stoppage could cost millions of dollars, according to Witherspoon. As a result, the project is slated to begin this spring, depending on the length of winter.

"We would like to see the project going forward, but what I'm finding when I speak to others around the state is they're saying this isn't unusual to have delays like this, " Youngerman said. '"We're dealing with a project that has a very large dollar amount, and you don't want to do that on a fast basis."

When completed, the Border Winds project will have a positive impact on the entire county, according to Youngerman. The first metering tower was erected in August, 2003.

As the feasibility study was conducted, officials

from Sequoia Energy were in Rolla looking for a wind developer. Since then, the community, and Youngerman, has waited patiently for Sequoia to begin construction.

Youngerman said in addition to the construction jobs, the project will provide 10 to 15 permanent jobs.

"It's going to do such positive things for the county and community. I'm anxious to see it get going." Youngerman said.

In other Rolla economic development news, Youngerman said construction on the 20, 000 square foot Rolla Implement is moving forward with a possible completion by the end of the year.

The Rolla Implement is currently located in the former Welander building on Main Street, which Youngerman indicated will be available for rent.



Copyright 2010 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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