FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Dec 28, 2009 -- UPI


The Navajo Nation says it will build a $200 million wind farm near Flagstaff, Ariz., in conjunction with Foresight Wind Energy and Edison Mission Energy.

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority confirmed in a press release that plans for the wind farm on the Big Boquillas Ranch were approved by the Navajo Nation Council last week, The (Flagstaff) Arizona Daily Sun reported Monday.

As part of the approved plan, the Navajo Nation will construct a 48-turbine array on the targeted farm lands by December 2011.

The planned 85-megawatt wind farm is expected to produce enough electricity when at full capacity to power more than 20,200 homes.

NTUA General Manager Walter W. Haase applauded the plan, calling it the Navajo Nation's first major wind farm project, the Daily Sun reported.

"This is historic," Haase said in a statement. "For the first time, the Navajo Nation is a majority owner of an energy project that will introduce a new economy to the Navajo Nation for the benefit of the Navajo people."

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