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.
