LANCASTER – A crowd of more than 150 North Country residents last night offered their opinions on a proposed wind power project for Coos County.

Granite Reliable Power LLC plans to invest $275 million in the project, which would put 33 wind turbines on mountain ridges from Dixville to Dummer. The project would generate 99 megawatts of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes.

"We don't need the power. Someone will buy it, and it will bring income to the area. This wind farm should go through," said Emile Croteau of the Millsfield Campers Association, which favors the plan.

Jeff Elliott, a conservation biologist from Lancaster, said the project was being conducted on an "absurd" scale. He warned the wind farm would destroy biological habitats, and force some species into decline and perhaps extinction.

"It's the only remote area left in the East. This is the only dark spot left," Elliott said.

John Harrigan of Colebrook said the "horrendous" project is "an insult to our history and high country."

He said people of all persuasions are against the project.

"We should not allow our horizon to be sacrificed for the almighty dollar -- dollars, which like the power itself, will flow far to the south," he said.

Milan resident Scott Grenier, however, said he was pleased and proud the area could be an example of how conservation and development of energy resources can go together.

"This is not an opportunity we want to pass by," Grenier said.

Last night was the final public hearing on the project by the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee. The committee will make a decision on the proposal by May 6.

Developers have pledged to spend $2.4 million on conservation efforts, and during the two-year construction phase, Coos County could experience economic benefits worth $20 million each year, according to an academic study on the matter.

The wind farm would also provide about $4.3 million in tax and lease payments each year.

Should the panel approve it, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will then take up the matter. The Corps has a role because the project would have an impact on about 14 acres of wetlands.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Roth, counsel for the public, explained that his role was to understand the project's impact. He hired experts on birds, a Wall Street financial expert, and said he spent countless hours researching the matter to help him decide whether to support it on behalf of the public.

"I couldn't be comfortable that the project struck the right balance," he said. "I wasn't convinced these developers are ready."

"Suffice it to say ... I don't think this project was right for construction here."

Five local employees for Wagner Woodlands, which manages some of the land to be leased for the project, spoke in support.

Mark Armstrong, a forester with Wagner in Errol, said energy independence has been a struggle in this country for several decades, and affordable electricity is critical.

"Wouldn't it be cheaper if it was created locally?" he asked. "No one pretends this will be a panacea for our economic woes, but it will provide some jobs ... and will move us toward energy independence."

John Lanier of Columbia, a retired wildlife biologist, said he needs more information before he can support the project, but is concerned right now as to what is on the table.

The purpose of alternative energy, he noted, is to improve or offset what we are doing to the environment.

"I am concerned we are going to make a decision based on a lack of information, and I would urge this committee to make a decision to hold off on making a decision and to set the stage for this proposal," Lanier said.

Rick Tillotson of Dixville, who said his property's views will be impacted, said he strongly supports the $275 million investment.

He noted his family's company, Tillotson Corp., has a long history of tapping renewable power in the area.

"I believe they will be good stewards of this property," he said of Granite Reliable Power LLC.

Rick Sampson of Stewartstown said he is totally opposed to the project. He has four questions he said have not been answered by the company.

"What is the annual revenue for the project? Will any of the power be available locally? Who will be financing the project, and what benefit are locals going to receive?"

"I believe every resident deserves an answer to these questions," he said.