Maine News Updates

FAYETTE -- Officials here are taking the first steps toward powering Fayette Central School and other municipal properties with wind energy.

Hoping to secure a portion of federal economic stimulus money, the town has identified seven potential sites for one or more wind turbines.

Initial estimates peg the cost of a 50-to-60-foot turbine at $19,000 to $25,000, Fayette Town Manager Mark Robinson said.

"It's mostly to work toward becoming a self-sustaining governmental entity," he said.

The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act sets aside $16.8 billion for projects aimed at cultivating a variety of renewable energy sources. If Fayette secures some of those funds, it could take the edge off of the upfront cost needed to purchase, install and connect a turbine.

"You go into this knowing it's going to take multiple years for this to pay off," Robinson said.