91-turbine wind farm approved for Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The state board that certifies construction plans for new energy facilities has approved an agreement that authorizes a 91-turbine wind farm in north-central Ohio.

The agreement approved Monday by the Ohio Power Siting Board allows Black Fork Wind Energy to construct the farm on 14,800 acres along the Crawford and Richland county line. The board says the company plans to begin construction in March and be operating by December.

Officials say the farm will be capable of generating 200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes.

The project is expected to create between 70 and 95 construction jobs and 10 permanent positions.

It's the ninth wind farm certified by the board. Combined, the farms total 662 turbines and can generate 1,251 megawatts of electricity.

Online:  http://www.OPSB.ohio.gov