Wind power talks OK'd in Anaconda-Deer Lodge Cnty.

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BUTTE, Mont. (AP) The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission has authorized the county's planning department to begin negotiating a lease agreement with a power company that wants to develop wind energy in the area.

Pintler Power was the only company to submit a complete proposal in response to the county's request for a wind development project.

Company owner Jack Standa wants to build the 50-megawatt Copper Ridge Wind Project, which could consist of 22 wind towers across county and private land. But first, wind potential on county-owned property must be assessed for one year. If the wind potential is adequate, Pintler Power could partner with an energy development company to complete the wind farm.

The company estimates that with at least a 30 percent wind capacity, the farm could produce 133,000,000 kilowatt-hours annually.

Information from: The Montana Standard, http://www.mtstandard.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-10-09 2228CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list