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Feedback: Controversy Continues Over Galloo Island Wind Farm

Story Published: Apr 13, 2012 at 5:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 14, 2012 at 7:32 AM EDT

Seven miles off the scenic Henderson shoreline is Galloo Island. 

When it appeared a power project calling for 400 foot wind towers on the island had failed, town officials applauded.

"We were extremely happy about it," said Ray Walker, Henderson town supervisor.

(Note that in our video from Friday night, we mistakenly identified Ray Walker as 'Hounsfield town supervisor.' Hounsfield's real town supervisor, Tim Scee, favors the project.)
 
But now the developer is back for a second try.

(See our report from Thursday)

Upstate NY Power cites changes in the economic climate for wind energy.

It now hopes to sell electricity to Fort Drum via a transmission line through the town of Hounsfield to Watertown.

"At least that gets the transmission line in the town of Hounsfield. We're still going to have the visual pollution from the turbines," said Walker.

Last year there was celebrating in Henderson when the New York Power Authority said it wouldn't buy electricity from Galloo Island.

Now, many townsfolk are hoping they'll be celebrating again, if this latest approach falls through.

"It would not break my heart at all to see this totally fail," said Walker.

Just weeks ago, another company, ReEnergy Holdings, announced it would start a biomass power plant on Fort Drum.

(See our earlier report)

It said it expects to supply all the post's electricity needs.

ReEnergy officials say this new wind power proposal apparently means competition for that military contract.

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