Developers say construction on a wind turbine project in the Green Mountain National Forest will begin within the next few months after state regulators approved an agreement that aims to protect nearby bear habitat.
Iberdrola Renewables plans to build eight turbines in Searsburg and seven in neighboring Readsboro.
Vermont Public Radio reports Iberdrola will contribute $1 million toward ongoing bear studies under an agreement between the company and the state Agency of Natural Resources. It was approved last week by the Public Service Board.
Iberdrola must also help pay to acquire about 680 acres of nearby land. Construction can begin in the meantime.
The company says the 30 megawatt project should be operational by the end of 2017.
That's enough to power about 14,000 average households.
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