Stearns County Wind Farms Clear Regulatory Hurdle

ST. PAUL (AP) - Two wind farms in Stearns County have cleared a regulatory hurdle.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved permits necessary for the Black Oak and Getty wind farms near Sauk Centre. Black Oak Wind, a subsidiary of Geronimo Wind Energy, is planning a 42-megawatt farm near Getty Wind, a 40-megawatt, community-based wind project.

The two companies are working together on financing and applied jointly for the regulatory permits.

If a federal wind production tax credit that expires Dec. 31 is renewed, construction on the Getty and Black Oak wind farms could begin next year.