Located in Navajo County, the Dry Lake Wind Power Project sits
on a combination of private, state and federal lands. Approximately
a third of the project is on the private Rocking Chair Ranch, with a
third each on Arizona State Land Department and Bureau of Land
Management public lands.
"The successful completion of this vital project reflects the
concerns we all share - nationally, regionally and locally - about
the critical energy challenges facing communities across the United
States," Salazar said.
"The partnership that built Arizona's first commercial-scale
wind energy project demonstrates a common desire to reduce our
dangerous dependence on foreign oil by using our domestic renewable
resources to meet a larger share of our energy needs. This strategy
will also help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate
change, while creating 'green jobs' around the nation."
The project brings a new source of clean, renewable energy to
the region while supporting the local economy through property tax
payments to Navajo County and job creation.
During the peak of Dry Lake's construction, 200 direct
construction jobs were created as well as hundreds of indirect jobs
through the supply chain and construction support.
"This project is another example of the incredible potential
that clean, renewable energy has for Arizona and our country," said
Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, who serves Navajo County in the House
of Representatives and spoke at the dedication.
"The Dry Lake Wind Farm will deliver jobs, help us diversify
our energy sources and lower our utility bills. In these tough
times, it is a shot in the arm for District One."
Dry Lake generates enough power for more than 15,000 homes,
which will be delivered to customers of Salt River Project.
"The message this plant sends to Arizonans is as important as
the power it generates," SRP General Manager Richard Silverman said.
"Today isn't only about a power plant, it's about a more sustainable
future for our customers and all of Arizona."
Composed of 30 Suzlon S88-2.1 megawatt turbines, the Dry Lake
Wind Power Project generates 63 MW of clean energy.
"We are proud to be part of Arizona's first commercial-scale
wind farm, and of our role in creating jobs in the region. The Dry
Lake project underscores our commitment to the region," said Tulsi
Tanti, chairman and managing director for Suzlon Energy.
"The U.S. is among the world's leaders in renewable energy, and
we look forward to bringing more clean energy and clean-energy jobs
to Arizona and the United States."
The Dry Lake Wind Power Project was developed and is operated
by Iberdrola Renewables, the largest provider of wind power in the
world.
"Iberdrola Renewables intends to invest another $6 billion in
new renewable energy facilities in the United States over the next
three to four years," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president
for Iberdrola Renewables. "It is very satisfying to help provide
clean energy and homegrown green jobs."
The wind farm supports the local community through tax benefits
to Navajo County.
"Navajo County is proud to be the home of the first wind farm
in the State of Arizona," said District III Supervisor J.R. DeSpain.
"We hope that the success of the Dry Lake project will encourage
further renewable energy development in the County and the State."
In addition, the wind farm was honored with an award from the
Sustainable Electricity and Buildings Wind Powering America Program
National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"Wind Powering America gives an award for the first wind farm
in each state because it's a big deal. It represents working through
all of the issues and barriers that first-of-a-kind activities must
deal with. It demonstrates to all of the parties the benefits of a
wind project - economic benefits, price stability and portfolio
diversity," said Marguerite Kelly, group manager, Sustainable
Electricity and Buildings Wind Powering America Program National
Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"Officials and the Arizona public can now see, hear and
experience a wind farm up close and personal," she added. One of the
most unique features of the Dry Lake project is that it is located
on a mix of federal, state and private land.
"Today's announcement underscores the critical role that wind
power will play as America diversifies its energy portfolio," said
Bob Abbey, director of the Bureau of Land Management.
"As the steward of more land than any other federal agency, the
BLM is proud to support the development of this clean energy source,
one that will help reduce our dependency on foreign oil in uncertain
times," he said.
Contributing to the mix, nearly a third of the land used for
the project is from the Arizona State Land Department.
"Sustainable renewable energy for Arizona is a great thing for
our future and the Arizona State Land Department is proud to be a
participant and a stakeholder in the first utility-scale wind energy
generation facility in the state," said Ruben Ojeda, rights-of-way
section manager for Arizona State Land Department.
The project covers approximately 6,000 acres yet uses less than
2 percent of the total acreage, leaving the majority of land for
cattle grazing.
"My family has been ranching for more than a hundred years and
I always believed that this site had the wind to support a
commercial-scale wind project," said Bill Elkins, owner of the
Rocking Chair Ranch.
"Now, Dry Lake is helping keep my family tradition going while
providing jobs for the next generation. My son works as a technician
for Iberdrola Renewables and he loves his job."