One Wind Farm Stuck In The Air, Another Moving Through Process

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Story Published: Apr 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM PST

By Sade Malloy

Kittitas County -- It's easy to understand why Kittitas County is a hot spot for wind farms.

All you have to do is step outside.

Danny Eldhardt says, "This is the only town I know where you can fly a kite year round."

But taking advantage of this natural resource can be a lot harder than it seems.

The Kittitas Valley Wind Farm off Highway 97 has been in the works for three years now.

It was denied by County Commissioners, ok'd by Governor Gregoire, now it's at the State Supreme Court.

Darryl Piercy, Kittitas County Community Development says, "We don't know how much longer those will be tied up in the court system it could be several more years."

But there's a new expedited review for projects located on the East part of the County that doesn't involve the state.

Ward Hobbs says, "I think it's a really good idea, we got wind and it makes energy personally."

The new Vantage Wind Farm is the first project under the new process.

It's been in the works for five months and hasn't receivd one single complaint.

Sade Malloy, KIMA Action News says, "Location is another reason no one has opposed the Vantage Wind Farm because there's nothing around for miles."

Where as with the Kittitas Valley farm some neighbors are complaining it will ruin their view.

Angela Bennett says, "They have a lot of money invested in their properties and think that having a wind farm in their property probably wouldn't be so welcome."

But there's no view to ruin at the Vantage site.

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