STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- A windfarm spanning multiple municipalities in Steuben County has received approval from New York State to move forward. That means 36 wind turbines on 53 acres spread out across Prattsburgh, Avoca, Cohocton, Howard and Wheeler, will generate enough power to keep the lights on in 62,000 homes with clean energy once the wind farm is on line.
“These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a prepared statement, adding, “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the... Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”
And the benefits of the new wind farm are expected to stretch well beyond just impacting the environment. According to the Governor's Office, the wind farm will generate more than $1.2 annually in tax revenue for local municipalities, and over $500,000 in direct lease and neighbor agreement payments for some landowners.
On top of that, it's being estimated that the project will create the need for 81 new jobs to help build the turbines, and eight permanent positions once the wind farm is up and running.
Along with the wind farm, The Rich Road Solar project located in the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County was also approved. Once up and running, it is estimated that the solar farm will generate enough clean energy to power roughly 61,000 average-sized homes
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to a clean energy transition and the responsible siting and development of renewable energy resources. ORES’ issuance of the permits of the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects will support the delivery of significant amounts of clean energy to the electric grid and local community benefits, while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts,” said Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Interim Executive Director Jessica Waldorf in a prepared statement.