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Friday, September 3, 2010 | Serving Del Rio and Val Verde County: Since 1929
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Proposed windmill farm causes LAFB concern
Published June 3, 2010
The proposed Lewis Ranch wind farm in the Anacacho Mountain Range in Kinney County is causing some concern for Laughlin Air Force Base officials.
Laughlin AFB submitted an evaluation to the FAA on Dec. 10, 2009, and is still waiting the FAA’s evaluation.
Lewis Ranch owners have since then requested a copy of the submitted evaluation and have been made aware of Laughlin AFB concerns.
Jerald Smith presented a brief update of the proposed wind farm during Wednesday’s city of Del Rio/Val Verde County Joint Airport Zoning Board meeting.
Smith says the wind turbines, to be developed by a company called EC&R Southwest LLC., are cause for concern due to their height. He says 11 of the 20 proposed turbines are being considered hazardous, as they are too high. The height could interfere with low-level flying routes flown by Laughlin AFB student pilots.
During the Joint Airport Zoning Board meeting last August, Laughlin AFB Chief of Asset Optimization Jennifer Harris told board members that Laughlin does not oppose the development of wind farms and other sources of renewable energy sources “that do not adversely impact military readiness or training of U.S. armed forces.”
According to Harris, the United States Air Force is conducting a nation-wide study on the effects wind farms have on flight operations.
Col. Michael Frankel addressed board members during the meeting, saying, “we need to protect the airspace, as it is critical to mission success. I look forward to partnering with you and the city of Del Rio.”
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