The Pantego Wind Farm is not Dead Yet | Eastern North Carolina Now

Beaufort County Press Release:

    Last week representatives from Beaufort County including Commissioners Ed Booth, and Hood Richardson, County Manager Randell Woodruff, Lobbyist/Consultant Joe McClees met with Mr. Frank DiGiovanni of the Department of Defense Clearinghouse in Washington, DC. The Department of Defense is currently reviewing the wind turbine projects in Eastern North Carolina to determine what if any impacts the project may have on current or planned future military operations within Beaufort County. The County has been greatly concerned as this project has come under intense scrutiny due to its close proximity to an important military flight path.

    The project has tremendous potential to benefit the County with annual revenue exceeding $1 million in tax/lease payments to the County Government and local landowners. After the meeting it now appears the project may be allowed to proceed once Invenergy completes the process of working with the Clearinghouse officials to relocate a number of the turbines to lessen the impact on the air flight path to the Dare County bombing range used by the military. The County fully supports this effort to adjust the project location to allow it to move forward.

    Commissioners Booth and Richardson said, "We are extremely pleased by the outcome of the meeting and especially the cooperative spirit of Mr. DiGiovanni. The entire Board of Commissioners supports the military and they desire not to infringe in any way on their ability to complete their vital training mission." Beaufort County Board of Commissioners Chair Jerry Langley said, "I'm glad to see this progress to move forward a project we so desperately need to assist the County with several capital projects in the next few years."

    The Clearinghouse will continue to review the project over the next few months.

    For additional information please call County Manager Randell Woodruff, Beaufort County Government at (252) 946-0079.