L&M

Attention Wayne County http://www.thetimesofwaynecounty.com/in ... tured-news When the New York Power Authority revealed ambitious plans to install offshore wind turbines out on Lake Ontario and portions of Lake Erie, some counties such as Niagara and Erie voiced support for the project. Job creation and clean energy were touted as solid reasoning behind the suggestions. After all, European countries have utilized offshore wind turbines as a vital source of power for years. The flat, unobstructed, high wind capturing turbines seemed like a simple answer for future energy needs. On December 1, 2009 NYPA released a request for proposals for the development of offshore wind power projects in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The size and exact location for these projects is yet to be determined. A map released by NYPA depicts portions of the Lake Ontario shoreline in Wayne County as potential locations for offshore wind farms. NYPA describes the project as “a utility-scale offshore wind farm between 120 mw and 500 mw total capacity.†NYPA President Richard M. Kessel indicated refusal to allow these off shore behemoths would turn away thousands of manufacturing and service jobs for the Upstate area. With all the promise of good, why did several lake shore counties already nix the project? “My personal feeling is that I am totally against them,†said Sodus Supervisor Steve LeRoy. “I think this is a terrible exploitation of that lake and I do not see it happening.†LeRoy said that Wayne County spends a good deal of money on tourism and that the offshore wind turbines would spoil the lake views for everybody He added that what he believes would be the final 400 foot towers could probably be seen from the other side of the lake on clear days. “There would be no benefit to us (Wayne County) or our local economy once the electricity generated hits the grid. It won’t lower our electric bills,†said LeRoy. The Sodus Supervisor pointed out that Lake Ontario drops off drastically miles offshore and that the cost of the sub-structure for the wind turbines would probably offset any savings in the cost of energy. Both Oswego and Jefferson Counties to the east of Wayne County have already rejected the NYPA proposals and according to Williamson Supervisor/Board Chairman Jim Hoffman, Kessel informed the Counties at a regional presentation of the project that the NYPA would not build where there was opposition. Kessel said there were enough communities who wanted the project. A Wayne County resolution opposing the project was tabled at the March 16th Board of Supervisors meeting in favor of obtaining input from the public prior to Board action. Wayne County residents are invited to attend a public hearing to provide comments concerning the NYPA Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project. The public hearing will be held on March 31, 2010 at 7 PM at the Wayne County Courthouse, 26 Church Street in Lyons. Chairman Hoffman said, “It is our hope that residents with opinions pertaining to this proposed wind turbine project will attend the public hearing on March 31, 2010 and share their concerns with the Board of Supervisors.†The due date to accept the NYPA proposals is June 1, 2010. If you can not attend the meeting please contact one of the board members to express your opinion!! http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/departments/brdsuper.htm