New wind farm approved in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A 63-turbine wind energy farm was approved by the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

High Prairie Wind Farm II's environmental assessment and conditional use permit were both approved. They can begin to construct, operate and maintain a 161 kv substation and high voltage transmission line powered by wind energy, reported the Austin Daily Herald.

The farm will stretch across four towns in Mower County and provide energy for Austin residents. This is the second wind project annnounced recently in Mower County. Florida Power & Light has another project with 43 wind turbines, a substation and high voltage transmission lines.

High Prairie, which is owned by New Horizon Wind Energy, has had no objections to their project so far. When all of the wind turbines are completed. there will be 118 in Mower County.

Kate Watson, development analyst and spokesperson for High Prairie, said the environmental assessment showed a "minimal impact" on the environment and related construction parameters in Mower County and a "very positive impact" on the socio-economic climate by every other measurement.

Ray Tucker, a representative from the area where the wind projects are being constructed, said they will be a good for local energy production.

"The power they will create will be sold to Great River Energy, which has a plant in Pleasant Valley Township," Tucker said.