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McCain Valley wind project
moves forward with permitting
ALPINE — The Tule Wind Power Project in
East County is moving into the formal permitting process,
members of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
learned at their latest monthly Hot Topics Business Networking
Breakfast.
Edmund Clark, director of business development for
Iberdrola Renewables, told a crowd on July 13 at Marieta's
Restaurant in Alpine that the state is trying to get the $400
million wind turbine project through in time to take advantage
of federal economic stimulus funding.
“We're really on track for permitting from both the
federal and the state (officials) by the end of this year,”
Clark said, adding that the county has a hearing process for the
project. “That's one place where we can really use some positive
support from residents.”
A day earlier the U.S. Forest Service had approved a
19-mile route through the Cleveland National Forest for the
controversial Sunrise Powerlink, clearing the way for the San
Diego Gas & Electric Co. renewable electrical energy project
through East San Diego County.
The Tule Wind Power Project in the McCain Valley, north
of Boulevard, would be on federal, Indian and private land. It
would bring up to 200 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for
about 60,000 homes in the San Diego region, according to
Iberdrola Renewables.
“We really need public support to move decision makers
at the county and Bureau of Land Management,” said Clark.
During questioning, he addressed various issues,
including the fact that the wind power energy will flow through
SDG&E lines for distribution.
“We're working with the local fire districts to put
together a very detailed plan . . . to be sure no fires are
started,” Clark said.
Donna Tisdale, secretary of the Protect Our Communities
Foundation, said that several local federal elected officials
are against the project and that “there are downsides to it.”
Fires have been started at past projects, Tisdale said,
and with the Tule Wind Power and Sunrise Powerlink projects both
going through McCain Valley firefighter access may be limited.
A draft environmental impact statement and review is
supposed to be circulated this summer with opportunities for
public comment.
During the year it would take to build the project,
Clark said, up to 100 people a day would be working in Alpine,
bringing money into the community at motels and restaurants.
The Tule Wind Power Project would provide money for
land owners, state royalties going to schools and about $5
million a year in county property taxes, said Clark. He said a
$1 million fund would be set up for campground improvements and
maintenance.
At the peak of construction the project would create
about 325 jobs plus 12 permanent ones, Iberdrola Renewables has
said.
Dr. Cindy Miles, new chancellor of the
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, wanted to know
about opportunities for new workers. Clark said Iberdrola
Renewables can work with local community colleges to help
develop the project.
“We're ready,” Miles said. “We really want to work with
you. It's perfect with the economy we've got.”
For more information about the Tule Wind Power Project,
e-mail Iberdrola Renewables at info@tulewind.com or visit their
web site at www.TuleWind.com.
 E-mail
Christy Scott
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