CANTON – St. Lawrence County legislators passed a resolution opposing wind farm development in proximity to Fort Drum due to economic and military readiness factors.
The vote was taken Monday in a meeting of the St. Lawrence County Finance Committee.
According to a resolution from St. Lawrence County, “protecting airspace in the North Country is vital to the future of Fort Drum as the United States Army is continually evaluating the effectiveness of its training installations.”
Avangrid Renewables plans to build 27 wind turbines in Hopkinton. The towers would be 500 feet high at the blades’ highest point.
Fort Drum officials stated last month that the facility is already feeling the impact of existing industrial wind turbines, and if the proposed projects are approved, Fort Drum's mission readiness will be further diminished.
The resolution goes on to say:
“Wind farm development can be an important initiative to pursue as it offers an alternative green source of energy that is pollution free and generated at the source, and while the benefits of wind farm development are recognized, the strategic location of Fort Drum and their missions readiness capability could be diminished by wind farm developments in the areas around Fort Drum.
“As the major economic engine of the North Country and largest single site employer, the economic vitality of the region and thousands of jobs depend on its continued relevance to the Army mission.
“Protecting and enhancing Fort Drum, home to the 10th Mountain Division, is of utmost priority to St. Lawrence County.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Legislators opposes wind farm development in proximity to Fort Drum.
“Be it further resolved that certified copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Patricia Ritchie, Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator Elizabeth O’C Little, Assemblywoman Addie Jenne, Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush, Assemblyman Marc Butler, Assemblyman D. Billy Jones and Fort Drum.”
