May 20 - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Kathy Mellott The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.

Wind-energy developer Gamesa Corp. is considering the Allegheny Mountains north of Cresson to become part of the Allegheny Wind Ridge Farm.

Gallitzin and Gallitzin Township officials confirmed Friday that Gamesa representatives are talking to them and private property owners about setting up anemometers and potentially building turbines in both localities.

Already under construction in Portage Township is an initial 62-turbine farm that has been permitted by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Each turbine can generate 2 megawatts of power.

In the case of Gallitzin, Gamesa is interested in installing wind-monitoring equipment on land the borough owns in Gallitzin Township, Solicitor David Consiglio said Friday.

As for the township, the inquiries have been with private residents only. But municipal officials are gearing up to adopt an ordinance regulating the blades before the talks go any further.

"The borough has looked at a proposal and needs to firm things up," Consiglio said.

Gallitzin Township Supervisor Michael Racz said that as early as the June meeting officials expect to act on an ordinance specifying where turbines can be located and other restrictions.

"They haven't contacted the township," Racz said of energy developers. "But they have contacted people in the township, and we want to be out ahead." Brian Lammers, Gamesa director of development, confirmed Friday that the company is in discussions with Gallitzin Borough, but would not comment further.

The agreement between Gamesa and Gallitzin, which could be approved by Borough Council in June, gives the Spain-based energy company a five-year option on an estimated 500 acres in the township, Consiglio said.

If testing proves favorable to wind development, the accord would give Gamesa the right to develop turbines on the land for as long as 20 years.

The land is on the western side along the borough line from Route 53 near the water-treatment plant to near the Gallitzin Coupon Road and the long-closed "Forest Zoo" tourist attraction, Borough Secretary Irene Szynal said.

It has been a source of revenue for the borough, which has sold the timber from the tract.

The most recent cutting generated about $100,000, Szynal said.

The agreement would not impact the borough's timbering rights, officials said.

Former Mayor Nancy Knee said the borough needs to take a hard look at Gamesa's proposal.

"I think everyone should make an effort toward renewable energy. If you can get some revenue for the borough, you need to consider it," she said.

Deals hammered out between Gamesa and other municipalities in the county call for annual payments of $1,500 per megawatt.

Despite initial concerns from some residents in Portage Township -- primarily about noise and bird kill -- turbine opposition has not surfaced in the Gallitzin area, officials said.

Kim Mazzarese of Mazz's Pizza Plus said the turbines are nothing more than big towers with blades.

"I don't think they'd bother people any more than the trains," she said of the Mainline Railroad branch of the Norfolk Southern Railroad that cuts through town.