The proposal for a 120 feet tall wind turbine will be discussed by the Great Falls Planning Board and Zoning Commission (Great Falls Planning Board). Montana State University's Great Falls College of Technology (MSU-Great Falls) has proposed for a conditional use permit for the wind turbine. The wind turbine will be situated about 220 feet east of 20th Street South between 19th and 20th Avenues. The land is already zoned to allow a wind turbine but requires a conditional-use permit.
According to a document prepared by MSU-GF for the State Board of Regents, the project wind power project is expected to cost $224,000, but a grant from NorthWestern Energy could cover $10,000 of that.
MSU-Great Falls official expect that $8,747 per year in average gross annual cost savings would occur, over 20 years.
Community Development Department Director Mike Rattray, in a memorandum to the planning board, expressed his concern that the turbine will be too close to the Medical Tech Park, where a social security office was recently completed and a homeland security office is under construction.
Rattray continued that the turbine could impede future development there. He suggested that the turbine be located farther to the north.
MSU-Great Falls intends to provide a field site for students in existing alternative energy programs and future students of the planned turbine technician program.
It also intends to reduce overall utility costs for the college. Along with that the project would serve as a demonstration project in green energy for public facilities and institutions.