Arlington, Va.-based AES Corp. wants to build up to 65 turbines on a ridge top near Elkins that would connect to an existing Allegheny Energy. Inc. 138-kilovolt transmission line, according to a Jan. 31 filing with the state Public Service Commission.

If local, state and federal regulators approve the project, AES said the turbines could begin transmitting electricity by the end of 2009. About 125 megawatts would be generated and the electricity would be sold to PJM Interconnection LLC of Valley Forge, Pa., which operates the Mid-Atlantic's power grid.

AES said the project is expected to create up to 279 temporary construction jobs and 19 permanent jobs.

AES would become "one of the biggest property taxpayers in Barbour and Randolph counties," the company said in its filing. AES projected that it would pay more than $450,000 in taxes annually.

Five people have filed letters of protest with the PSC opposing the project.

"This makes the sixth wind turbine project on the Appalachian ridges to come before the PSC, I believe the cumulative impact on the environment and view shed of these projects must be part of the PSC's consideration," Eve Firor of Franklin wrote in one letter.

The PSC is only one step in the regulatory process. The project also needs the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the state Department of Environmental Protection, health departments in Barbour and Randolph counties, and a handful of other state and federal agencies.