August 18, 2009

MONTEREY, Va. (AP) - Construction is under way in mountainous Highland County on Virginia's first wind-powered electric generation project.

A spokesman for Highland New Wind Development, Frank Maisano, said Monday construction began over the weekend on the $80 million project.

A news release says workers are doing site and foundation preparation, road building and erosion and sediment control on the 220-acre site.

The company's 19 turbines on a 4,400-foot ridge near the West Virginia border are expected to produce 38 megawatts of electricity.

The project is forecast to be completed by the middle of next year.