State agency sends governor wind farm revisions

OLYMPIA — For a second time, a Washington state agency has recommended that the governor approve a proposed central Washington wind farm despite objections from Kittitas County citizens and officials.

The state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council had urged Gov. Christine Gregoire approve the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project in March, but Gregoire asked the council to reconsider whether the turbines should be set farther away from landowners.

Landowners and local officials have argued against the project for five years, saying it would have negative environmental and visual impacts.

The council recommended Tuesday that the governor approve a modified permit, which could increase the distance between turbines and homes.

The permit modification provides that the developer will give "highest priority" to increasing the distance of the turbines from landowners.

The council retains final approval authority of the final turbine siting.

"The council heard the governor loud and clear and has taken additional steps to help minimize potential visual impacts raised by some nonparticipating landowners in the affected area," Chairman Jim Luce said.

Gregoire has 60 days to decide.

Proposed 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg in central Washington, the project would generate 98 to 195 megawatts of electricity. It would entail an estimated 65 wind turbines.