Solar/wind project gets conditional use permit

San Juan County has given its blessing to a combination wind and solar power project proposed in the TARB area northeast of Monticello.
The REDCO (Rural Energy Delivery Companies Alliance) project could result in the construction of a 50-megawatt wind power plant. A recent study by Utah State University indicated that the project could result in a $1.3 million increase in property taxes, including $800,000 a year for local schools.
The study added that the construction phase would result in the creation of more than 50 jobs. Ongoing operations would generate approximately $150,000 per year in land lease payments.
With a conditional use permit from the county in hand, REDCO officials can solidify the funding for the project. Rob Adams, who was instrumental in the development of the new 204-megawatt project in Milford, is working for REDCO.
By contrast, the nine-tower wind project at the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon is a 19-megawatt installation.