Governor Ted Strickland is finishing out his four years as governor by signing a lease option that is key to building five massive wind turbines in state waters 7 miles offshore from Cleveland.

The move signals Strickland’s support for the 100 million-dollar pilot project. If it’s successful, Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation will be developing the country’s first offshore wind farm. President Lorry Wagner hopes incoming governor John Kasich is not put off by Strickland’s timing - “In a sense it’s like handing the baton to the next administration literally like in a race - I mean we’re excited about working with Governor Kasich and his team.”

The lease option gives LEEDCo the rights to build anywhere within a 2 square mile area of Lake Erie. A final lease agreement with the state will be signed after studies show which sites are optimal for the turbines.