Feb 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Steve Everly The Kansas City Star, Mo.



The wind energy industry in Kansas is already providing work to 54 companies in the state, and more than 100 others are gearing up to get into the action, according to a new survey.

Out of 200 companies responding to the survey, 27 percent said they already had work in wind energy, and the rest said they were planning or preparing to get some of the work as wind energy develops in the state.

The survey, sponsored by labor unions, environmental groups and the Kansas Department of Commerce, also found that two-thirds of those companies already getting wind energy work said they planned to expand, including hiring more employees. Surveys were sent to companies that had shown interest in the wind energy industry.

"I think we're on the road," said Nancy Jackson, executive director of the Climate and Energy Project, which is part of the Land Institute. The institute, near Salina, focuses on agriculture but also deals with other aspects of sustainability.

 Wind energy is a big issue in Kansas, which has some of the best wind energy potential in the United States and plans to be a big exporter of the power. In addition, state officials hope existing or new businesses needed to support wind energy will employ as many as 11,000 people.

That hope got a boost last spring when Siemens AG announced it would build a wind turbine factory in Hutchinson. The $50 million plant, which will employ 400 people, is under construction.

The survey indicated that wind energy was being taken seriously by Kansas companies such as machine shops and construction firms. They're especially interested in training to be offered in the state.

Besides the Climate and Energy Project and the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Kansas Blue Green Alliance was a survey sponsor. It is part of a national group promoting a green economy and is made up of the United Steelworkers, the Communications Workers of America, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club.

To reach Steve Everly, call 816-234-4455 or send e-mail to severly@kcstar.com.

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