Wyoming Public Media:

Rocky Mountain Power plans to break ground on a $3.1 billion-dollar statewide wind energy project this week.

The project includes building three new wind farms in Carbon and Converse counties, adding upgrades to existing wind turbines in those counties, and constructing an 140-mile high voltage transmission line through Sweetwater and Carbon counties.

The utility’s spokesman Spencer Hall said the project will provide for up to 1,600 construction jobs and 100 full-time positions, while the new wind farms will generate 1,150 megawatts of energy.

“Importantly, it’s going to benefit rural economies,” he said. “I think Wyoming is facing a transition in the energy future and I think it’s exciting to see Wyoming embracing new technologies, new opportunities.”

Hall said construction and upgrades will generate approximately $120 million in tax revenue and that the project will result in significant tax revenue after construction is completed, with around $11 million projected for 2021 and $14 million annually by 2024.

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