DECEMBER 18, 1998 - The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will install a 660 kilowatt wind turbine, with help from a $50,000 state energy grant, announced Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Director Kathleen Wilbur.

The wind turbine project will demonstrate utility scale electric generation technology and reduce consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels which emit pollutants that negatively impact the environment.

"Because it puts a high priority on the responsible use of our environment, the Tribe understands the significance of wind-generated electricity in safeguarding existing and future natural resources," Wilbur said. "Toward that end, the wind turbine is expected to produce 1.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough to power 250 residential homes."

Offered through the CIS Energy Resources Division, the grant is part of the Band's aggressive renewable energy program. The Tribe will provide $718,000 in matching grants for the project.

"The Grand Traverse Band is especially well-suited to pursue a wind generation project near the shores of Lake Michigan," Wilbur noted. "Because many industrial and residential energy users are unaware that commercial wind turbines have already proven economically feasible, this project will demonstrate not only that nonpolluting wind energy works, but at minimal economic cost."

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.