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JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- More than 90,000 households could be powered by the proposed Hounsfield Wind Farm on Galloo Island in Jefferson County.
"This is a real opportunity for renewable energy in New York State. It's a very unique site. There are not too many islands that, I think, in the New York waters that would be suitable for a wind farm," said Jack Nasca, Department of Environmental Conservation.
Galloo Island is about six miles off shore from the Town of Henderson and would be home to 84 wind turbines if the project goes through.
"It's the first time in New York that we will have a wind farm offshore and it makes a bunch of new issues for the agency," said Nasca.
Many people at the meeting say they agree with the need for clean and renewable energy, but they still have some concerns about the project.
"The project in general is a good project for the Town of Hounsfield and Upstate New York. My concern, primarily, is the documentation of the history of Galloo Island," said Lawrence Barone, a Sackets Harbor resident.
"Now that the DEC owns the property where the coast guard station is, we'd like to see that area maybe upgraded for a safe harbor for recreational boats," said Mitchell Franz, a Henderson resident.
And some of the other main concerns are noise, upsetting wildlife and how Northern New Yorkers will benefit from the proposal.
"Why is it that everything we produce here, powerwise, is exported for the benefit generally of Southern New York State," said Shawn Doyle, a Pulaski resident. "It would be nice if we could see some benefits in our own utility bills, which we all know are some of the highest in the nation."
If everything goes smoothly, the project could begin as soon as the end of the year.
Comments on the proposed wind farm are being accepted through May 29. You can send your concerns to:
Stephen Tomaski
Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Environmental Permits
652 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12233
Phone:486-9955
Email: smtomaski@gw.dec.state.ny.us
For more information, you can visit the DEC or the Upstate NY Power Corp websites:
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