Franklin County to gain jobs, taxes and educational opportunities through wind power
Franklin County, like much of Maine, no longer can rely on the traditional natural resource-based and manufacturing jobs that once were the cornerstone of our economy. Over the last 10 to 15 years, we have struggled with the closings of shoe manufacturers and wood-turning mills that used to employ the people of this region. While our challenges may not be unique, it is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve the much-needed balance between economic development and preserving our state’s special character.
In December 2003, Greater Franklin Development Corp. made a deliberate decision to support wind energy projects in Franklin County. Our number one priority is the creation and retention of quality employment opportunities and to diversify the economic base in the area while preserving its unique character and environment. Helping to create an economically, environmentally sustainable energy system coincides with the desires of western Maine communities to be self-sustaining.
Over the past several years, Greater Franklin Development has aggressively supported two wind power projects in Franklin County: Endless Energy Corp.’s Redington Mountain/Black Nubble wind project in Redington Township and TransCanada’s Kibby wind power project in Kibby and Skinner townships.
In June 2007, the Land Use Regulation Commission denied approval of the Redington/Black Nubble wind project. This spring, the failure of a bill to allow the annexation of a portion of Redington Township to the town of Carrabassett Valley prevented a local vote that ultimately deterred Endless Energy’s efforts.
In January 2008, LURC recommended approval of TransCanada’s Kibby wind power project, prompting TransCanada to begin construction last fall on its $320 million wind power project along Kibby Mountain and Kibby Range, north of Stratton and Eustis. This new wind project, Maine’s largest, will provide an average of 357 million wind-generated kilowatt hours per year — enough electricity for more than 50,000 average Maine homes. The project includes a transmission line to connect power from the turbines to the existing grid.
TransCanada will be a significant taxpayer and major contributor to Franklin County’s economic development. Also, it will provide Eustis/Stratton with a community benefit package of $1,000 per year per megawatt installed, approximately $132,000 annually.
TransCanada is a leader in responsible development in Franklin County. Its construction has been complementary to existing forestry operations and has limited environmental impact by using existing logging roads. Additionally, two ridgelines in the immediate project area and a portion of the Grafton Loop Trail near Bethel are conserved as part of the project.
The nearly 300 peak construction jobs supported in northern Franklin County are welcome. Ninety percent of these jobs have gone to Maine residents, either locals or employees of Reed & Reed and Cianbro, the prime contractors. Vestas, the manufacturer of the state-of-the-art turbine equipment, has hired six western Maine people to operate and maintain the first 22 turbines long term. Another six employees are expected to be hired for the remaining 22 turbines.
Benefits are also coming through the money contractors spend on food, lodging, fuel and other construction-related services. As of June 2009, the Kibby wind power project has spent approximately $25 million in Maine, about $4 million of it in Franklin County.
TransCanada’s responsible development and commitment to education and civic investment is paving the way for new energy production in Franklin County. TransCanada is already considering expanding its Kibby project and other developing wind projects in Franklin County that have yet to be announced. TransCanada also collaborates with local education initiatives to provide wind-specific education and adult training in Franklin County.
As we seek to build our economy in greater Franklin County, we have looked to the future — and to wind — to create new jobs and new tax revenues while preserving our unique character and environment.
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